Lionel Messi exchanged text messages with former team-mate Neymar encouraging him to return to Barcelona during the summer.
The Spanish giants were keen to bring the Brazilian back to Spain from Paris Saint-Germain two years after he forced through a world-record £200million transfer.
As is reported by Mail, the message from Messi encouraged Neymar to push for the move throughout the summer.
However, an agreement could not be reached over the £273million asking price and Neymar will remain in France until January at the earliest.
Messi and Neymar, along with Luis Suarez, formed a potent frontline at the Nou Camp, winning two La Liga titles together and the Champions League in 2015.
Neymar has yet to play for the Ligue 1 champions so far this season after the ongoing transfer wranglings.
However, he is expected to now move back into contention for a place again.
zizou324
107
It was evident that Messi was behind all this. Probably got insecured by Griezmann. He is doing to Barca what he did to Argentina. Looks like Neymar is now leaking the texts to look good in front of PSG fans.
raynknight
93
Neymar wanted to Return ... Messi wanted him BacK.... Board Made Offers and Wanted to bring him BacK.... Fans Wanted him Back..... His Own Fans and other club Fans wanted it Tooo , so that Someone will get his Home Back ...... BuT Coz Of That One Guy who owns PSG didn't Let it Happen..... I don't Like PsG and None Should ...!!
iamildaz
71
Messi : The champions League is waiting. for us again.... Neymar : I am on my way,I will be there in six months time....
Mosanya
57
This is true because I read about it that messi wants neymar to return for them to win the Champions league, he also texted bartomeu to sign him, but instead they signed griezmann, this made Messi furious, but it looks likely that neymar will return to Barca in January.
raynknight
41
No Worry Culés..... We'll Get To see The Magic from Both Wings OnCe again and The SamBa Master will Return..... Camp Nou will witness MagiCal Nights and SonGs of Praise OnCe Again.... For OnCe Again and For One Last Time.... ...Whatever it Takes !!
SingamFootball
9
Begging Neymar to return... is that what Messi do