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.