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Former FC Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez has made a sensational claim about why Lionel Messi He never returned to the club in 2023, accusing the club president Juan Laporta to block movement.
Speaking in an explosive interview with The VanguardXavi alleged that the Argentine superstar’s return from Paris Saint Germain It was already agreed in principle before Laporta changed his mind.
The former Barcelona legend has reopened one of football’s biggest ‘what if’ stories;
“What would have happened if Lionel Messi had returned to the Camp Nou in 2023?”
“The president lies about Messi” – Xavi
According to Xavi, talks with Messi began shortly after the forward won the FIFA World Cup 2022 with Argentine soccer team.
The former Barcelona midfielder said Messi was excited to return to the Camp Nou and that negotiations were progressing smoothly in early 2023.
“The president is lying about what happened with Messi” Xavi said.
“Leo was signed. In January 2023, after having won the World Cup, I spoke to him and he told me that he was excited to return.”
Xavi explained that discussions continued for months as he awaited final approval from Messi before informing Laporta.
“We talked until March and I told him: “Once they give me the go-ahead, I will tell the president because it works perfectly at a football level.”“
He also stated that the club had already started negotiations with Messi’s father and agent, jorge messi.
“Laporta withdrew at the last moment” – Xavi
Xavi alleged that both the financial approval of LaLiga and negotiations with Messi’s team had progressed before Laporta finally stopped the deal.
“The president negotiated the contract with Leo’s father and we had the economic green light from LaLiga, but it is the president who withdrew.”
According to Xavi, Laporta feared that Messi’s return could create internal tensions or challenge his authority.
“He told me that if Messi returned he would make war on Laporta. Leo didn’t come because the president didn’t want him.”
Xavi also rejected previous claims that financial restrictions or demands from Messi’s camp prevented the transfer.
“It is a lie to say that it is because LaLiga did not allow it financially or that Jorge Messi asked for more money.”
Laporta counterattacks
Laporta quickly responded to the accusations, saying he was “surprised and hurt” by Xavi’s statements.
In an interview with RAC1, the Barcelona president insisted that it was actually Messi’s team that decided not to return.
“When I see what Xavi said I think of Hansi Flick. Being president of Barça is a hard job and you have to make difficult decisions.”
Laporta claimed that Messi’s father later informed him that returning to Barcelona would be too much pressure.
“I sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who then came to my house and told me that there would be a lot of pressure here and that they would prefer to go to Miami.”
Messi finally joined Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer later that year.
New tension before the elections in Barcelona
The controversy comes at a delicate time for Barcelona, with Laporta seeking re-election as club president against his rival. Victor Fuente.
During the same interview, Xavi accused Laporta of repeatedly cheating on him and even suggested that the real power within the club lies with Laporta’s former brother-in-law.
“The president got rid of me without telling me the truth, conditioned by a person who is above him, Alejandro Echevarria.”
Xavi also denied claims that he wanted to remove several players from the squad during his tenure.
“The president said he wanted to get rid of 10 players and it’s not true.”
“I want club members to know the truth about what happens within the club.”
Xavi’s life after Barcelona revealed
Since leaving Barcelona in 2024, Xavi has stayed away from training.
the first Spain football team The midfielder said he has received offers but is currently enjoying time with his family.
However, he hinted that a future role with a national team could tempt him back into management.
