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Barcelona forward Lionel Messi says the Spanish giants did not do all they could to sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The Brazil international was linked with a return to the Nou Camp after he demanded to leave Paris. Neymar has only made 37 league appearances for PSG since he joined the Ligue 1 champions in 2017.
He has scored 34 goals in that time but the former Santos man refused to return to training earlier this summer
Neymar had been hoping to return to Catalonia but no deal could be agreed despite the fact the 27-year-old was willing to pay towards the deal.
PSG director Leonardo is set to try and sell him again in January and Messi says Barcelona did not do all they could although he admits he was not disappointed to see the deal fall through.
He told Sport: “I would have liked for Neymar to have returned. Honestly, I’m not sure if Barca did all they could to sign him but I know it is difficult to negotiate with PSG. “I am not disappointed. We have a spectacular squad that can challenge for all, even without Ney. Neymar is one of the best in the world. With his level and sponsors, it would have been a big gain for the club.”
Messi has also answered questions on his own future, with his current deal set to expire in 2021. Barcelona are confident they can tie him down to a longer contract and the Argentina international says he does not want to leave the Nou Camp as he tries to win another Champions League title.
Barca have been given a tough group as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Slavia Prague.
