Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has expressed disappointment that the club’s former captain, Lionel Messi, won’t return to Camp Nou this summer.

The Blaugrana were eager to seal Messi’s return this summer and were in the race with Inter Miami and Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal to sign the Argentina World Cup winner.

But Messi opted to join Inter Miami, rejecting a reunion with Barcelona due to doubts over their financial situation.

However, De Jong has commented on Barcelona’s failure to re-sign Messi, insisting that it was a shame the 35-year-old did not return to the Catalan club.

“I think every team would like to have Lionel [Messi] there because he makes a difference anytime, anywhere,” De Jong told Dutch outlet Telegraaf.

“It’s a shame he didn’t come to Barcelona. I would have liked him there, would have found his return top-notch. We will now see who joins and who leaves.”