‘With or without Lionel Messi, Barcelona will not win the Champions League,’ says Real Madrid legend Guti, advising the Argentine to avoid a return to Camp Nou.

Lionel Messi has been told “with or without him, Barcelona won’t win the Champions League”, with the Argentine warned off a return to Camp Nou.

• Argentine running down deal at PSG
• Set to free agency this summer
• Second spell in Spain speculated on

WHAT HAPPENED? That message should come as no surprise to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as it has been delivered by Real Madrid legend Guti. The former Blancos star will be reluctant to see any deals done that allow Clasico rivals from Catalunya to become stronger as a collective. A move for Messi could make that possible, with the 35-year-old forward running down his contract at Paris Saint-Germain towards free agency. A second stint with Barca could be on the cards, if financial issues can be ironed out, but Guti feels the all-time great would be taking a big risk in rejoining a side that remains a work in progress despite its current standing at the top of the Liga table.

WHAT THEY SAY: According to Guti, “If I were Messi, I wouldn’t go back to Barcelona.” He had already accomplished everything there. It’s too much of a challenge right now. Barcelona will not win the Champions League with or without him.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi is said to want at least one more shot at winning a fifth European title, after two seasons at PSG failed to propel him into contention despite a star-studded squad in France that included Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Sergio Ramos.

IN THREE PHOTOS:@GettyGettyGetty

WHAT NEXT? Messi previously hit 672 goals for Barcelona across an iconic spell on their books, but they are not the only side in the running for his signature as the legendary South American is also seeing moves to MLS or the Middle East speculated on.