Lionel Messi has advised Barcelona boss Xavi not to re-sign the club's former teenage sensation Xavi Simons from Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.
It is thought that Simons, 18, is keen on securing a return despite being snapped up by his current club after failing to make a first team appearance at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona have not been afraid to dip back into their market for players who have pulled on their jersey in the past, and midfielder Simons may have been a target.
However, any interest from their camp looks to have been brought to an end after superstar Messi, a legend in Catalonia, advised them not to move in for Simons.
That is according to El Nacional, who have gone on to report that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner believes the young Dutchman has not progressed enough.
Simons' agent, Mino Raiola, is said to have informed Barcelona that Simons would be open to joining them again, with his contract in Paris expiring on June 30.
After being made aware, boss Xavi was notified, although the damning reports from Messi - a team-mate of Simons' at PSG - are likely to put an end to his pursuit.
It has been claimed that Messi passed on his thoughts on the youngster during a dinner with Xavi, which took place recently to celebrate the tactician's birthday.
PSG want to tie down the starlet to a new contract, although Simons is purportedly eager to reach the very top of the game and earn a salary to match these dreams.
In the wake of these requests, the Ligue 1 outfit are open to offloading Simons and allow him to join a new club - although Barcelona are unlikely to snap him up.