Lionel Messi will eventually return to Barcelona because the player and team "deserve one last dance together," according to Jordi Cruyff, sporting director of the Catalan giants.

Messi's 21-year affiliation with Barcelona ended in August 2021 due to the club's inability to pay a new contract in accordance with LaLiga's financial fair play regulations. Messi now plays for Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi is currently in his second season with PSG, but his deal expires at the end of the current campaign, and he has been linked to a transfer to Inter Miami of the Major League Soccer.

Next year, when the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner turns 36, Cruyff expects to see him return to Camp Nou, albeit he acknowledges it might not be in a playing role.

"It's clear Barcelona and Messi have to be together again one day," Cruyff told RAC1. "It may be after his career, but they deserve a final hug, one last dance together."

Asked about the possibility of Guardiola managing the Blaugrana again further down the line, Cruyff said: "He's reached the level of being able to choose his own destiny.

"Not many have reached that point; it's the dream of every professional. Whether he returns or not, I have no idea. I think he's happy at City."