How would Lionel Messi fit in Xavi’s Barcelona? | Tactical analysis

Follow me on Twitter for regular FC Barcelona tactical discussion - thepurist_?s=21&t...
What if Messi really did return to Barcelona? Would it work? Where would he play?
Today we’re going in-depth into Barcelona and Lionel Messi to decide how the GOAT would fit into Xavi’s revamped tactical setup. This is by far my most requested video ever, so I’ve tried to do it justice - regardless of whether this move is likely to happen in reality (although the latest news is that it’s very possible!)
I hope you enjoy! Consider leaving a like on the video if you do, and subscribing for more tactical content. It’s free :)
Sections:
0:00 Intro
0:28 Still the best
0:54 Why Barça need Messi
1:10 Messi vs positional play
3:41 Right winger?
4:45 False 9?
5:23 Midfielder?
7:16 Tweaking the shape
8:11 The ‘De Paul’ role
8:54 The starting XI
9:18 Messi-dependencia?
10:48 The defensive dilemma
14:22 The return of The King
15:00 What’s your take?

[@iDrexcy]

“Nobody does it for PSG but that’s why they’re not good” 💀

[@jordan_0914]

It's true tho 😭 Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe don't press and don't transition to defence. Mbappe not defending is the reason France were horrible in the WC final until Thuram/ Kolo Muani came on.

[@jaywholas6848]

Facts

[@jivvr]

​@@jordan_0914 Neymar défends

[@vladorac6]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@lexkanyima2195]

​@@jordan_0914 they can't press all 3 of them, while the other 7 players needs to move quickly

[@tamirailon4934]

“Nobody does it for PSG… but that’s why they’re not good.” Brilliant!

[@avyuktkochhar8374]

I largely agree with all the points you made about the sporting repercussions of Messi returning. However, I think I should add that Gavi is only 18 and Messi returning for 1-2 seasons could be good for Pedri and Gavi who could face an early career end because of constant burnouts (we already see that with Pedri). I also feel that Messi coming back will essentially be incredible for their development because, in my opinion, both of them could add more end product to their game and working with Messi in training and in UCL and league matches would be an experience that cannot be matched. It is also important to note that in Messi's last season with Barca, he combined REALLY well with Frankie when he played on the right (had an iconic Copa del Rey final with that incredible 1-2 combination with messi for a goal). While your concerns about the defensive structure are largely correct, I do think I should add that Xavi's extreme approach to pressing (man oriented) does not sit right with me when playing against top sides like City, Arsenal, Bayern who can play through any press in the world. So, even without messi I would've liked Xavi to be a little less extreme in those big UCL games (more zonal). This brings me to my next point: I do not think Messi will start every game, neither do I think he is interested in it. If he comes back, his sporting ambitions will be UCL where he could be the difference maker Barca have lacked (for e.g Bayern this season). Xavi will need to manage him in a similar way to which Luis Enrique managed Xavi himself in 2014-15 (a bigger role, of course). So it is possible that he only starts 20-25 league games but plays all UCL fixtures (something that aligns with the aforementioned point). Lastly, last few seasons for Barca have been more about what has happened off the field that on it. So, it only makes sense that Messi goes back. Barca fans have had to go through hell and Messi coming back is what the Camp Nou and every culé deserves. Further, the positivity he will bring to the club cannot be overstated. For me, Messi makes Barca UCL favourites but Xavi must recognize that Messi is Barca's vibranium; he should be used, not abused.

[@nizunia864]

I think this is the best take I've read!

[@op-germa669]

✍️👏

[@quanthehiep]

Yes, it is what I want to hear from knowledgeable Barca fan!

[@deeznuter4828]

Im not sure why messi wouldn't start every game though, if he's there the team will be pretty different and it would be a sudden change if he's suddenly taken off

[@nizunia864]

@@deeznuter4828 Well if Messi does compromise and starts to press a bit more then fatigue will start to kick in especially late during the season. So to keep him fresh he would need to rotate at least somewhat

[@Hope-kx9lz]

I don't think Xavi would risk his position as barca coach for a year or two with Messi in the team without thinking through the situation. And Xavi certainly has an idea of how to use the best footballer in the world in his team. if Barca has the right teamspirit (like Argentina) they will be able to win everything.

[@lexkanyima2195]

But waiting 2 years to fit it

[@TheofficialGodofwar]

Anyone willing to play like Argentina for Messi who is older now doesn't have the future in mind As much as Messi is Barca need to develop a lot more than Messi offers And tbh he isn't the best in the world anymore

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@TheofficialGodofwar BS

[@mr_niceman]

​@@TheofficialGodofwar doesn't have future in mind? what are you smoking, Messi at 35 is still one of best footballers to for any sporting plans

[@edsonmawalla4203]

@@mr_niceman a sporting g project usually lasts for 15 years will you base such a project on a 35 year old?

[@thebarcaboardroom406]

The number 1 way i see messi fitting is playing in behind Lewandowski, with dembele wide right and balde being the width on the left

[@Eric-hu2dw]

Its not worth it imo

[@wisdomeshiet4259]

Same here and that will be bloody!

[@user-xi9ru5dp7f]

@@Eric-hu2dw Barcelona is showing solidness in their defense while being poor in possession so maybe its worth it to shift the balance towards offense by some margin.

[@gentadili4106]

In my not so professional opinion, Messi likes to operate in the half spaces, and him playing behind lewa will give him some defensive responsibilities

[@fiction5417]

4-2-3-1 you mean

[@simokojamesphiri7924]

9:34 the passage of play here is really mind blowingly high level. That 2011 team with Messi, Xavi and Iniesta was just such a special team.

[@eleonarcrimson858]

ronaldo's non exsitent defensive work is mad funny there. you can see him wobbling left and right

[@Avo7977]

Don't forget Busquets - the underrated scaffolding of that unit.

[@AliOnimisi]

When you said “No one does it for PSG, that's why they are not good”, I Screamed😂 very apt

[@ezugo6932]

Spot on analysis. The defensive concerns are the real issues, but Messi somehow counterbalances that with the creative boost, and extra firepower. I'm one of those who want him back for who he is, and the sort of farewell he deserves, but also doesn't want him back for fear of how damaging his return could be to Xavi's sporting project in the long run.

[@lexkanyima2195]

But it will be bad timing if you can give him role

[@ChristianDoretti]

He definitely counters that, we saw it against Bayern, where he lost the ball a lot and had the luck that PSG is a bus in the park Footballistically speaking. If we try to press high with this type of players we would be eating 4 goals in all our important games while having no improvements in general

[@oyesinterlude]

@@ChristianDoretti with psg against bayern, messi and mabppe were the only forwards with messi dropping back even with 4 midfielders, its more of a psg problem if you actually watched the match, even when mbappe or nuno played balls in there was no one to receive.

[@non-kh7tm]

​@@ChristianDorettihow he cannot lose the ball when 3 or 4 surrounding him without any psg player around that he can give the ball back? Psg midfielders was dead against bayern.

[@krowaswieta7944]

@@oyesinterlude Lets be realistic though - Messi (same goes to, for instance, Neymar) are not good defensively (to not use more harsh word; especially Neymar is REALLY bad in that aspect [even Suarez pointed that out; note that Suarez thought Neymar could become the best player in the world if he got better in defence]). This is why forwards such as Suarez, Lewandowski or Kane were/are really useful for the teams they played for in general. They go deep into defence when then need /needed to. That being said, ofc Messi is probably the greatest player of all time. He cant pass 6 or 7 players to score a goal anymore though. Messi between like 18-30 was absolute one-man army.

[@copr2917]

Messi playing for Barcelona again would make him play with the same amount of passion as he did for the 2022 World Cup, and I'm sure everyone can agree Messi at the World Cup was almost unstoppable

[@linsesunny2470]

Yh unstoppable within 10 yards pens

[@ferrantepallas]

he WAS unstoppable with Argentina, period!

[@DarthwRath]

With Xavi as our coach, I don't see any issues with playing Leo in our system. He definitely can be himself with the likes of Pedri, Gavi, De Jong and Balde covering more grounds and helping in defense. Keep Leo in the danger zone (middle of attack) and he will create so much chances. Lewa will be very grateful. Raphina/Dembele can do more in the flanks and not worry much about cutting in if it's too congested. And set pieces. We haven't had a free kick goal since Leo was pushed out. But the important thing is we must never go back to Messi-Dependent. Play with him instead of just relying on him and again, I think we can do that especially with our best 11. And imagine all the knowledge Leo can share with our youngsters. I hope he comes back. Even just for 1 season. He belongs here. He deserved 90,000 fans hailing his name when he decides to retire. A grand party to send off a Legend. Come back Leo. We fkin miss you.

[@linsesunny2470]

U fool or what that's what the video talks abt when his is middle the problems, u failed to address single problem or solution for it and just saying hey I don't find any problem Messi comes here lol. Just say u don't have any football knowledge. U r basically a Messi fan who care only abt Messi not the club barca and it's future.

[@aseemvatsaraj3990]

Tldr

[@DarthwRath]

@@aseemvatsaraj3990 that's why you'll always be in the 12th century. Bathing with cow manure and swimming in the most polluted river in the entire cosmos. Don't read. Stay exactly where you are.

[@user-en1mj8uc5f]

sadly he didnt, we can only imagine this now... but thats ok i guess hes reunited with part of his 2015 team lol

[@RealestPirate]

I actually think dropping bousquets makes the most sense here. Bousquets is not that active in the press and If you put de jong as a left pivot and pedri as a right pivot i think it all falls into place. Messi would be in his favoured position on the right and gavi can keep his pressing position on the left. Messis ability to control much like pedri will make both the build up, ball retention and creative attacking options more viable for the whole team. I also think messi would give so much to this developing barca team as experience and the barca identity goes. And paired with xavis system i really dont see many downsides to this move.

[@shodaime93]

Honestly, if Messi returns I think someone like Amrabat who’s a workhorse next do FDJ could make a lot of sense. Busquets and Messi together on the pitch, just sounds like too much of a compromise in dynamism.

[@rahuloli1256]

​@@shodaime93 Thats the thing I wanna talking about. Dm like Amrabat can fill up the gap. Armabat working ability can protect counter attack. And most importantly Messi comes means more goals we get. So why do we fear about

[@Stocks.arabic]

Busquets is untouchable, nobody can replace him, NObody at all, we tried de jong multiple times but he couldn’t, it’s not that de jong is bad, it’s just that they play differently

[@peddintisrinivasaaravind6156]

Dont underestimate busquets contributions. He is the stable figure in the middle. No one can do what he does in barca as good as he does. Thats y xavi desparately doesnt wants him to retire . Even xavi doesnt wants to drop him so he come up with that double pivot to fit in both him and frankie

[@mhtv5959]

That's absolute BS. Busquets now does join the press. He has Barca's 4th highest PP90(pressure per 90). Not to mention some of the important interception, through balls and tackles he puts that can change the match. Watch his assist to Raphinha in last two successive games b4 Clasico which were both match winning assists.

[@jimfelix1476]

Right interior is the only ideal position for Messi if he returns with suitable conditions around him, imo.

[@s.06]

I'm always looking forward to your videos!! Your analysis are interesting and are spot on!! A video idea: (realistic) Summer targets for FC Barcelona

[@s.06]

Imo (3-2-2-3 / 3-2-4-1): Ter Stegen Koundé - Araujo - Christensen Busquets - Frenkie / Pedri Messi - Pedri / Gavi Dembele (he is very good at holding width) - Lewy - Baldé

[@jcm9890]

What about keeping the box midfield? Pedri as the controller, FDJ pivot, Gavi as inside foward with that insane workrate his capable of and Messi as the right interior, keeping Dembele on the RW. It could work. I would love to see Messi last dance even if we dont win any titles, just for the sake of history and getting those images of Messi retiring as Barcelona player is huge. I think Gavi's workrate will help compensate out of possession.

[@victorenochkwesi-otu581]

I think it will work perfectly. Gavi and Messi playing as attack left and right interior and Frenkie and Pedri playing as double Pivot. Messi should not be playing full time under this system

[@King_P1]

So we are all agreed on sacrificing Busquets instead.

[@jcm9890]

@@King_P1 please, If it was me I would not give Busquets a new contract If we are going to have Messi again I would prefer we sign another physical monster like Amrabat.

[@afallenworld1581]

​​@@jcm9890 whether or not uou give Busquets contract FDJ can't be Pivot. We need a Rodri and FDJ has controller

[@jcm9890]

@@afallenworld1581 then you need to bench Gavi and lose intensity and pressure up front. Or rotate Pedri/FDJ as the controller which is insane to bench those talented players.

[@ifeanyiokwuazu3225]

That Xavi image at 10:00 took me out completely 😂

[@xaea-pf3ui]

I can't remember which game exactly it was, where Busi was out and Pedri occupied his role. Even though we feared we would lack some defensive qualities, we managed that situation quite well. I'm bringing this up only because I think it's essential having Gavi on the field when playing Messi as the right interior (imo the only way he'd fit into the team without changing the current system - ofc there would be other variations possible, as you highlighted in the vid). I think it's a quite complicated realizing this project, even though Leo would profit any team he plays in. I personally gotta say - I would love to see him back in the team for 1 last season, even if it wouldn't pay off at the end.

[@maythirtee]

Against Sevilla?

[@caflorero]

I remember that, it was against a pretty poor team. In the long run, in bigger games an FDJ-Pedri pivot wouldn’t work, and you’d be restricting De Jong’s abilities.

[@gdolmstead93]

Might Messi sometimes play off the left in Xavi’s system? With Balde overlapping and De Jong dropping into the base of the left side triangle, it could give Messi more freedom of movement, a partner in the counter press, and a robust recovery runner behind him when that press is broken. Lewa also drifts left, so he and Messi could also rotate. There’d certainly be games where that would be a big risk, say, against teams with a really fast and direct left-sided counterattack. How else might Messi affect the team if he played on the left?

[@tumishoramodisa9602]

The only problem is that Messi is ageing and using him as an inverted winger on the left will generally mean more pressing duties. This is the current role Gavi takes. Removing that pressing powerhouse on the left would lead to disaster, in my opinion.

[@LoopSeek3r]

He’s never been a natural on the left and rarely plays there since he is left footed

[@nobodiniotv4883]

playing messi in the left halfspace is not a bad idea but you are going to lose gavi or pedri for that:) i prefer losing pedri gavi is huge need if messi plays

[@ChristianDoretti]

If Messi plays on the left then you will need an Amrabat type of player that tracks back and plays as a CM with a high defensive rate and does what Rakitic did back then with Luis Enrique

[@dr_ubo]

you've got the most reasonable and clearly well understood views on Barcelona tactics. Great job. I (being mostly a tourist/neutral regarding Barca) thought about simply putting Messi on the right and having Dembele on the left lol or playing Messi as a 10 behind Lewa. Your thorough analysis sounds much better than my "playing FM or FIFA on Playstation" kind of approach.

[@thepurist_]

Let me know if YOU would want Messi back at Barcelona. And more importantly, how would you achieve it? I’m really curious to see what you guys think!

[@winter7502]

Everyone and their mums wants Messi back at Barca.

[@crazechill1]

Messi has done enough, he has completed football. Time for him to earn a fat pay check in MLS/Saudi and retire. He will only hold back this Barca team(in UCL atleast) and sour his legacy coming back to Barca. Don't want to see Messi relegated to a bench player.

[@karlos777x]

What Messi does with Argentina will not work at Barcelona. They only play a few games, so all of them are willing to do anything for Messi, with Barcelona have to be the whole season, plus champions, copa del rey and more??? It's not possible to ask that for this new team. Messi play style needs to adapt to what Barcelona wants, because football has evolved and teams are tactically better. I don't see Messi fitting in Barcelona , but maybe Xavi can make magic.

[@arkaeenmahmud7928]

Drop busquets from the Gala 11 and play Gavi in a deeper role along side Frenkie. Busi loses too many balls these days and its time to shift away from him for the majority of matches. Trust that the CBs we have can hold up the defensive excellence of this season. Drop Lewandowski further back out of possession and ask Pedri Gavi Frankie Dembele to maximize defensive efforts. People seem to forget its a long season with injuries, dips in form, suspensions and many other factors. Adding messi would boost our game more than hamper it over a season. Pedri and dembele haven't played in what feels like months at this point. Our left wing is a black hole. Even Lewandowski is suffering from the lack of service. Messi can solve things for us in that regard. Shipping a couple more goals over a long period is worth it if it means our attack is firing like it did during the Golden barca era

[@pozsoz]

I'm not a die hard Barcelona fan but I like watching most of their games. I don't want Messi back, I want to see Xavi's project evolve and continue to grow, not go back to a playstyle that revolves around Messi and has to make up for him not defending nor pressing, which in today's football, you can have 1 of those maximum, and Barca already has Lewa to fully focus on attack and let the others defend. 2 of those is overkill, PSG showed it against Bayern.

[@bradfoster5643]

You couldn’t have made this video any better. I was really hoping you would make this and it just confirmed my fears sporting wise but you make a good point at the end for me to ponder. Great content!

[@aritratalapatra8452]

Messi is the reason I fall in love with Barcelona, watching him for one last stint would bring countless memories, he deserves a proper farewell too. Buy unfortunately, I still think it Barca have learnt to move on, learnt to play without him at some extent. I want this club to be successful in league specially in UCL. And somehow with a heavy heart, I would have to say Messi's return would risk the stable and sustainable growth of this team. I wish he comes and play some matches, but not at an expense of club's long term success. But any ways, one season would be okay, he would bring a lot more with his name to the club and inflate our finances also. The GOAT !

[@raynmoderosling1284]

I was skeptical about his return but your great analysis opened my eyes and made me look at this situation differently

[@manisubba552]

Man you are awesome in this. Well said , well done. This is the first video I watched of yours and I am a fan now. 🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@totalfootball7879]

Great analysis. For me I wish this transfer goes through, It will be so sweet seeing messi play for barça again. Just for a season or two; It a very smart gamble even Xavi knows.

[@zurulloparado5272]

Great video as always. I'm not sure if i want Messi back taking the tactical growth Barcelona has developed this last year under Xavi. I wanted to ask you something, where do you find the statistics you use for your videos? Thanks beforehand and keep the videos coming please, it's hard to find content like this

[@raphaell_.27]

Your videos are something I look forward to every time I get a notification. Perfect video as always man, seriously keep doing this cause you will get a job out of it bro, talented as all hell.

[@innerpeace_memo500]

At last! I was eagerly waiting for this video. Good job as always.

[@sln0782]

Having Amrabat in the pivot would be key in my opinion, to retain some hard pressure from the team that will be lost without Gavi.

[@mouadbougra3102]

I think the role of Messi depends of the team Barca is facing, the players that could be affected by this transfer are: -Pedri -Gavi -Busquets(in case Pedri drop back for the build-up) in my opinion, the 4 players should make some sacrifices and also rotating them could be beneficial for them and the team especially Barca next year gonna compete in all competitions, also avoiding injuries (Pedri).

[@sarranasif6705]

I think messi can replace busi and gavi and de jond can play that role pedri messi would be insane

[@nobodiniotv4883]

i guess xavi prefers to hurt his wingers or even lewi rather than his mdfs i guess he will prefer again to have pedri and gavi at the same time...

[@mouadbougra3102]

@@nobodiniotv4883 Messi can't play the role of RW anymore The best solution is a rotation of the 4 players (Messi, Pedri, Gavi, and Busqui) To them always fresh. Just keep in mind that Barca plays more than 50 games a year and how we suffer from injuries this year

[@ChristianDoretti]

Raphina and Dembele also affected, both are our creators and none are defensively perfect to be working off the ball, that’s pretty much why Rapinha is suspended for our game against Elche on Saturday.

[@mouadbougra3102]

@@ChristianDoretti true👍👍👍

[@empireprod.9061]

Ive been watching you since youre Pedri video and ive never been happier keep it coming as i keep recommending your channel.

[@highlightertwinklover9959]

I was watching this after a big lunch, I was really sleepy and decided to watch this video to help me fall asleep because I initially thought my mind would doze off after a few minutes, and there I was, sitting on my chair with my laptop for 15 minutes, eyes ready to shut down at any second but couldn't. It's comforting how a person's voice feels so comforting that you would be willing to sleep to and then their topic is something you just can't snooze on lmao.

[@ItzCifer]

Haven't seen an analysis this good. I really enjoyed watching it. ✨️

[@aliraid1295]

Imagine Messi playing in this Barca with THAT BACKLINE that they have rn and with a killer striker like Lewa. It’ll be epic

[@MrCodyFBates]

I love the Barca videos man. Keep them coming. Really really good stuff.

[@spicyprawns8675]

The writing in those last 10 seconds was simply beautiful.. loved that man !

[@dorian8047]

The number 1 problem is the differing timelines. Messi has literally done it all and is definitely in the closing chapters of his career, while Barcelona is in both a financial and a team transition. It would not make a lot of sense on Barcelona's part to make sacrifices for an uncertain impact while they are on an upwards trajectory. Overall I think you made a good and well-thought-out video, but these are also aspects you need to take into account.

[@chrisa7134]

I agree. It’s tough though cause you can see the appeal behind Messi’s return. It would definitely give the team an enormous boost in morale. Realistically I can see Messi only signing on for a year, maybe two tops

[@aafaqahmed3835]

I don't want us to spend too much on him as he'll be here for one season only..The team is gelling and the players are understanding each other's movements, overall progress is obvious and the whole gameplay of xavi depends on intense pressure on the opponent which messi is incapable of..I'd rather wish he shouldn't come back if we're to make this many sacrifices and tweaks in our system

[@88heiling]

@@aafaqahmed3835 Muh "intense pressure" isn’t good enough to win Barca trophies but Messi’s god-tier playmaking will definitely make Barca win trophies every year. Clearly, you haven’t watched Messi’s astounding performance in the World Cup.

[@edsonmawalla4203]

@@88heiling isn't laliga a trophy?

[@aafaqahmed3835]

@@88heiling I have watched wc..A domestic treble on the cards without him is very good indeed...WC is a shorter and players were willing to give it all for him..We can also do that but it would be really unfair for other players who would cover his defensive work for full length of the season..I will be happiest person if he returns but i also feel like he's isn't necessarily what we need right now

[@diegogonzalezvazq]

We’ll have to see what xavis has thought up. I’m sure he’s been thinking about this for a bit now

[@samm4540]

Congrats bro, you are one of the few that has done an objective analysis mentioning all the good and not so good things that the return of Messi would bring to the team, contrary to all the dangerous hype that people are having.

[@valourart2014]

One of the best football analysis every 🥺. The ending was so emotional.

[@blessingasamoah]

No one has dominated football game than Messi ever even in league 1 of PSG his current team... So if Messi comes 'll be marvelous indeed at home Camp Nou his beloved club!!!!!

[@imransuhail82]

"Nobody does this for PSG but that's why they're not good" that was SAVAGE!!! LOL

[@Looking4Better]

absolutely amazing! Congratulations❤

[@Bandar90]

That last note ❤️ Great video as always

[@fransblokhuis]

Very adequate video. My take: you cannot go back in time. If you want to see Messi in a Barça shirt, just watch old games on youtube. Be realistic and continue building on this beautiful team that we have now. Bringing Messi home might be really devastating for (either or both) Pedri and Gavi. And potentially Dembélé, Fati and Raphinha. It says a lot that Fati is not even mentioned in this video. These players (including Balde, De Jong, Araujo, Koundé) are the future of Barça. I'm afraid that the only way Messi could contribute would be by putting him on the bench and using him as a super sub who can create something out of nothing whenever the team is stuck. But I think is status/ego is too big for that.

[@WifeStealer6969]

12:42 is the best part of this video 🤣🤣💀💀 Honestly, I wouldn't mind if Messi doesn't start every game 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ If we play with our original starting 11 (4-4-2), and bring Messi as a substitute might be the best solution 🙃🙃 This method would allow him to push and defend along with the team without hurting the formation overall, it's a win-win situation

[@Reda2k23]

The problem with that, Messi will not accept being a sub. He plays all 90 minutes'

[@snigdhamishra8057]

I laughed so hard 😂😂😂 came out of nowhere but so true 😂😂😂

[@pollos1]

@@Reda2k23 i think he would only play all 90 minutes with argentina only

[@thedigitalbash1506]

What a video man. You touched every aspect perfectly. 💯

[@abdelrahmansanieldin26]

beautiful video all points very well thought through

[@hao2000ki]

Yeah that’s what i thought. Messi to Barcelona just wouldn’t work on a sporting level. The Messi era is already over. However, what I will say is that this analysis is based on historical evidence, and the point of coaching and tactical tweaking is to implement theories onto the field. So on paper, this doesn’t seem likely to work, but we never know what might transpire once Messi does start playing for Barcelona.

[@steveogwankwa5654]

The key thing is xavi wants him back I think he has a plan for Messi

[@BeakaD]

He never said that

[@dzurojuro977]

@@BeakaD he did

[@BeakaD]

@@dzurojuro977 he said the door is open. Obviously it would be a disaster if Messi came

[@rousseau327]

@@BeakaD Obvious to who? LOL. We haven't even seen confirmation of Messi returning, let alone any concrete plans from Xavi or the coaching staff on how Barca will play with Messi, and how that will affect their performance in all competitions. There's nothing obvious here, other than Messi deserves a proper send-off from Barca.

[@kidus_1010]

@@BeakaD a disaster for Real Madrid that’s for sure

[@albertovertiz7930]

Great video mate, really love your tactical analysis of the situation! :)

[@gabrielamour4105]

What a well written video. Pure Genius!

[@alanjohnson7994]

Im a die hard messi and barca fan But I gotta admit I'm concerned abt our team I prefer messi to continue his career somewhere else in Europe itself and return to us when he is almost done Like when he can't be a regular starter That only would make my heart warm❤

[@football_fanatic_Ethan]

Same agree with you

[@_.Goat21]

having messi return will obv be great for us fans and financially our revenue will reach unheard of levels but from watching this almost everything you said had a negative implication for his return and i think its best for the development of our young players that he doesnt. Having messi will sacrfice our wingers and midfielders, we wont be able to press as a team and we will be a man down defensively because messi doesnt defend or track back, that jus leads to even more failure in europe where teams only go far as a consistent unit and not have players like on psg who dont track back or press. Messi is our greatest ever player and best player ever but this move would stunt the growth of what xavi is trying to accomplish.

[@volodymyrsolonka8815]

absolutely agree

[@VasileIuga]

Your wingers can't make a correct pass out of 2. You are talking like Barcelona won UCL. You might be a young fan for believing your delusional analysis. Football needs great players. Systems can work up to a point if you don't have the quality. Pep without Messi will be nothing. Wow as time proved

[@volodymyrsolonka8815]

@@VasileIuga you are also absolutely right, but great players don't win tropheys as football is a team game and system is mandatory. PSG has 3 of them and what did they achieve? You can keep your answer

[@VasileIuga]

@Volodymyr Solonka Neymar was not in the same class, a winger with a bad temper, having no physical strength to fight for trophies. It was very good as a complement to Suarez and Messi for two years. Mbappe is another inside forward less talented than Messi but has the ego of CR7. So Neymar is not needed having Mbappe, while Mbappe wants not the 3rd role but the 1st one despite not having the quality, so 2 out of 3 are useless. Messi is old and has no striker in front, and they rarely give him the ball. PSG can at best trow balls on Mbappe in this condition, Mbappe being an average player as a striker.

[@VasileIuga]

@Volodymyr Solonka If Barcelona wanted to win, they would have sold Pique, Busquets, Roberto, Suarez, Neymar, Alba back in 2017. There were lots of young talents on the market. So we talking about systems is funny while the club pays pensions to Catalan oldboys. At least Messi is not totally useless and brings money. He is 60% of their history

[@d0m574]

3:58 this is by far the best pronunciation of a Balkan surname ending on "ić" in a loong loong time I heard in yt unless you aren't around here :D Great video!

[@artsemilapitski8258]

Amazing video and the ending

[@thijslooije6570]

I mean i get it... but what people also shouldnt forget, this isnt a normal manager wanting messi, it is xavi, someone who has played with messi for his entire career... im very sure that when xavi says he wants him, there has to be something in his mind that he kbows exactly how to use him...he knows the insidesout of how messi can be used in a team

[@edsonmawalla4203]

If xavi wants messi then why is he pushing for bernado silva? Perhaps it's not xavi that wants messi but the board for revenue

[@thijslooije6570]

@@edsonmawalla4203 why should he only want one player ?

[@edsonmawalla4203]

@@thijslooije6570 because bernado silva is identical in messi in their playing style except that silva presses and messi doesn't

[@innerpeace_memo500]

Maybe we should sign De Paul from Atlético to play alongside FDJ, hahaha. Jokes aside we probably need a destroyer CDM (not De Paul by the way) because we will be facing a lot more transitions with Messi in the team.

[@surrealist8784]

gavi has qualitys

[@user-vf9iu7lt9f]

Maybe we should not sign Messi then, if in order to accommodate him we need extra players. What the purpose then. As a Barca fan, I started really despising these Messi fan boys who only care about Messi and not the club.

[@daredevil6145]

The Video I just wanted for such a long time, and came out just in time of need.

[@no.1ballboy]

"Nobody does it for psg but that's why they're not good" 😂

[@ekundayotosin9514]

It's not worth it imo

[@Eric-hu2dw]

Exactly. I love messi but he is 36 and it would be a shame to destroy everything again for messi. Not worth it.

[@ramyktllama]

Man! I don't know where you got these analysis skills from, but since I discovered your channel, I can't wait to see more in-depth videos. Keep up the good work! This is a fan from The Netherlands. After seeing your video I think bringing Messi back would not be a good choice for training Barca to be the best. However, I do think it is good he finishes his career there. If Lewandowski sacrifices one year to do more hard work, so letting Messi be the strikere, therefore bringing Messi back in for his last year. Then, if I was Xavi I would do it. Especially because Xavi has played with Messi and knows him quite well.

[@albertpallas8817]

Such a great video. Thanks!

[@naeem2hung901]

Honestly xavi should just hire you

[@FelaBankOlemoh]

I want him back...lovely video...World Class really. I like the way u ended it...for all that it means...seeing Messi back in our Jersey..the joy it will bring.The commercial boost..Being able to laugh at PSG...The King Must Come Back...For One Last Dance 💃

[@shabithesnail7016]

Great video. Tactical as well as emotional.

[@danieltahmazyan6486]

Your videos and your analysis are simply top notch, keep up the work. Perhaps it would be interesting to analyze Eric Garcia's new role in the midfield (?). Against Elche he put on a solid performance, much better than the performances he had as a central defender. Would love to hear your opinion about it.

[@LiamC97812]

What a beautiful video with very smart analysis and unbiased opinions just straight facts

[@mavm7473]

Low key best football channel out there

[@ArdakKapar]

everything about this video is just beautiful

[@mnxnmnxn]

Man, thanks for this. The video I did not know I needed.

[@Sannoso]

Before any of the recent news, I always imagined he would be a super sub. Obviously that requires some serious buy-in on his part, but I feel like limiting his minutes is the best way of minimizing his defensive weaknesses. Yeah, it would be nice to have his creativity and skill on the field for 90 minutes, but 20 or 30 minutes against tired legs is a significant boost in firepower for Barca.

[@jottafmanuel5686]

Great video, very informative, for us BARCA fans seen Messi back home would be just incredible...

[@HoHo-ld3cs]

I would choose one last dance ❤ amazing video👏👏👏👏

[@renyharibabu6085]

The ending was fantastic...!!!👌🖖

[@sln0782]

Hopefully you can add some way to support your job, your videos and analysis are really good! Vamos Barça

[@pratishsm]

Man you’re so good !

[@huzaifahumar9214]

this channel is a blessing 🤩😍

[@ebiwenifavour6607]

You still remain my best football analyst

[@KhethuM]

Such a beautiful video.

[@King_P1]

The Messi Dilemma. You hit the hammer on the nail

[@ramkrishan_sahu]

Great analysis, even I was thinking nearly the same...

[@kikster97]

I've always wondered what it would look like to see Messi take up a Pirlo-esque position, and with Busquets being courted by Inter Miami, maybe that could be a realistic position to plug him into in this side. I think with high workrate players like Gavi, Pedri, and De Jong surrounding him, and assuming he would be willing to take on a role where he is further from the goal and providing primarily, it could be a real solution. That's a lot of "ifs" though, for sure.

[@jahinakhyar]

Thank you for the video

[@dimitrisnak969]

Phenomenal Video Mate! Great Job honestly on every level. I share the same opinion about Messi's Return to Barcelona and believe that the reasons behind this move are purely sentimental and based on money (because everybody is gonna want to see Messi playing with the blaugrana shirt, nevermind all the Shirt Sales) and not so much based on football logic. This is coming from a Barcelona fan, but i think it would be a shame for Xavi to undo all this progress that Barca have made since Leo Messi's departure. If Leo comes, the whole team will start to depend on him again and expect him to score and to create in all the difficult matches. When he leaves, it will be the same story again, all the players will have to get used to play without Messi. Like you said, i don't think it is worth it to be honest, but it would be nice for the shake of it.

[@aleksandar3287]

I can imagine the through balls from Messi to Balde and Dembele, i see him as a game changer, plus a great addition to a deeper squad which we do not have since 2015. It would be great to not offload anyone, or simply a transfer or two out and about a transfer-in in each section of the game. So we need to have a window like this: -Defence: Inigo Martinez in (maybe N'Dicka plus) -Midfield: Gundogan, Messi -Attack: Vitor Roque or Auba as ST, and at least one winger (Carrasco or Abde back) If we get good offer for any of the not-starters we can offload them, especially Garcia (maybe 10-20m), Ansu since his playtime would be minimal (any offer over 40m is good) and of course the loaned players that come back must be sold at ANY price.

[@germanjc5873]

I did a few tests on Football Manager and so far this is my favorite solution: Have Messi as a false 9, with Lewa as an inside forward on the left; Balde on the left wing, Dembele/Raphinha on the right wing; two pivots with FDJ and Busquets; and Pedri/Gavi in the right interior. With Messi being the false 9 and having the tendency to drop deep or into the right channel, this creates numerous positional changes that can trouble the best defenses. In transition, with Messi being in the forward position, he can do less work, but as you said in the video, that comes at the cost of Lewa. Still, I think it's plausible if we think of having Ansu or Ferran at the ready for rotation, and maybe have them take up that position in the future.

[@princemaurya7467]

That last part ❤

[@harishboyapati6411]

Well, great analysis! I'd say dropping busqets and asking Kessi/Gundugan(if we sign him) to play the DePaul role would be more appropriate as it would boost cover in transitions and improves support in attacks. Messi's creative boost and Goal threat would makeup for little defensive compromises so there isn't much downside.

[@petrusjurge5311]

I think either of this two can do what De Paul does for Argentina. The 2 people (Kessie/Gundogan) don’t have much of endurance to play that role; I would suggest Gavi or Nico Gonzalez both will be in their early 20s and that would be a good one for the club.

[@korzinietz2136]

Love that conclusion.

[@baselkhadem3441]

great Analysis... I think you may drop Bosquits from the formation with De Jong getting to be the Pivot, so either Gavi/Pedri/Ferran will react to Messi's movement on the field... Raphinia and Dembele will bench each other, Kiss is will replace De Jong if injuired

[@natte431]

good and honest analysis

[@calvinchaba6055]

i see the double pivot like @The Purist Football has stated, Messi is that type of player that is the center piece of every team if the team is to be successful with him in it. i think xavi does have a plan or a sight on how Messi fits into the team (given he is also pushing for the move to happen)with also trying to balance the defensive which is really what might win us the league this season and the attack.do i think messi will start every game?not at all but he will play an important part .i believe we will even prolly see Messi will also doing some selfless work

[@akshaymohanakm2707]

Xavi must have seen something.will he jeopardize his entire plan for messi. No. So he must have a good plan in which messi can be incorporated by reducing the demerits. Nice analysis.keep the good work

[@lusanduthando1522]

I can't imagine losing what we have now. I love Messi...but I love this new squad more. These young men work sooo hard. In 2 seasons this will be the most well oiled machine...

[@giovannipelayo9837]

I agree with all your points. You also have to consider the reality also, that Pedri & Dembele seems to be injury prone and when they are injured they always struggle to recover. Messi is still fit to play majority of the games.

[@surajp5725]

I think 352 will work well. Dembele and lewa at the front ( dembele and messi can constantly exchange position and keep the width). Then in the midfield Balde ,gavi, messi, pedri, dejong/busi Backline - chris,Arajuo,JK It's very hard to fit in all players w/o sacrificin any one of the current starting players

[@davidreid5599]

Great vid! Well done Purist. Your on-field analyses are spot on. However, the benefits of Messi to the Club as a presence on the training ground, the dressing room, as an impact substitute, an ambassador for a failing brand, (shocking damage done by the refereeing "consultancy" revelations, the mis-handling of his exit, some poor transfer choices, etc) would have to be counted too. He may see all that you have laid out here and decide to top up his bank balance in Japan, USA or Saudi. Perhaps moving to a lower standard might be more pleasing to him from a purely enjoyment of football point of view.

[@Black-oy4fg]

You can see you understand football, great analysis

[@muhammedlamintouray7074]

You’re a star ⭐️ I luv ur videos❤️✌️.