Lionel Messi would "love" Neymar to return to Barcelona

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has admitted that he would like Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar to return to the club.

The Brazil international has been linked with a return to Spain with Real Madrid, but his former teammate has said that he would rather see him back in Catalonia.

"I would love it if Neymar was to return, but it looks difficult," Messi told Mundo Deportivo.

"The truth is I wouldn't like it if he went to Madrid.

"He is an exceptional player and if he was to come back to us it would be fantastic but it looks difficult."

Neymar became the world's most expensive footballer when he left Barca to join PSG in a £200m deal.