Lionel Messi admits it would be exciting to see former teammate and close friend Neymar Jr. back at Camp Nou, but adds that the Brazilian would find it difficult to leave Paris-Saint Germain.

Speaking of the “complicated-but-possible” return to Barcelona, Messi said his Brazilian friend is an invaluable asset to PSG, and for this reason, will not gain approval to leave the Parisian club.

Late in August 2017, Neymar sealed a world-record €222 million move from Barcelona to PSG, having spent four memorable seasons with the Spanish giants. The 26-year-old won a Champions League trophy and 2 La Liga titles with the champions until a desire to step out of Messi’s shadow prompted an unexpected exit from Camp Nou.

There are, however, speculations in the media that Neymar could return to Barca together with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

According to Goal.com, Messi’s teammate Arthur, who joined Barcelona last summer, said Messi has been making “making supplications” for the rumors to become reality.

‘I don’t think media reports on Neymar’s return to Barca is real,’ Messi told Marca.

‘This is complicated even though we would love it to happen…He [Neymar] is influential on the pitch and even in the locker room.

‘He’s my friend and we’ve shared memorable times together. However, I find it difficult to believe he can leave PSG…They won’t let him get away easily.’