Barcelona's coach Josep Guardiola (L) sp
Barcelona's coach Josep Guardiola (L) speaks with Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) during "El Clasico" Spanish League football match Real Madrid against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on April 16, 2011. JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given his take regarding the future of his former player Lionel Messi.

"I'm sure Leo Messi will try everything to return to Barcelona," the tactician told ESPN.

Messi is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain next season and has been subject to much speculation surrounding his future plans.

Lionel Messi Rumored to Return to Barcelona

Guardiola added, "I hope one day, we can say goodbye to Messi with Barcelona like how he deserves, the best player ever."

The Catalan club wasn't able to give the Argentine a proper send-off when he left in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, unlike fellow club legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta, who were given tributes in a full-packed 99,000-seater Camp Nou.

However, the tributes for the recent World Cup winner may have to wait as rumors about a sensational return to Barcelona continue to take stride.

Guardiola remains confident that FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta will be able to finish the task of bringing back the club's best player in history.

"I'm sure Joan Laporta will try to make [Messi's return to Barcelona] happen," the former Barca manager said.

Guardiola managed FC Barcelona from 2008-2012. He guided them to 14 trophies, including two Champions League victories.

In his first season managing the club, Barca won its first continental treble. During this season, Lionel Messi also took a leap towards superstardom, becoming Barcelona's unquestioned best player and taking the #10 shirt number.

Guardiola's Barcelona squads are considered among the best teams in history.