Xavi's Accusations Against Laporta Regarding Messi's Return
In a candid revelation, the former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has alleged that the club's president, Joan Laporta, thwarted Lionel Messi's potential return to the Catalan club in 2023 due to fears of a power struggle between the two. According to statements made by Xavi, which were published late on Sunday, March 8, 2026, the situation arose after Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, before eventually moving to Inter Miami in 2023.
Xavi stated in an interview with the Spanish newspaper 'La Vanguardia' that the possibility of signing Messi was nearly finalized. "In January 2023, after winning the World Cup, we communicated, and he expressed his desire to return," Xavi recounted. He emphasized that they had received the green light from La Liga regarding financial constraints, but it was Laporta who ultimately derailed the plans. The coach quoted Laporta as saying that if Messi returned, it would spark a war against him, which he could not allow. Xavi indicated that after this conversation, Messi abruptly stopped responding to his calls once it was conveyed to him that the move was unfeasible.
The former coach highlighted that everything was set for Messi's return, insisting that there were no doubts from a footballing standpoint. He likened the anticipated celebratory moment to the iconic final dance of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Meanwhile, Laporta, who recently resigned from his position to run for re-election, commented on Xavi's grievances, suggesting that he was displeased. He mentioned that Jorge Messi, Lionel's father and agent, informed him that the Argentine superstar had decided against returning to Barcelona.
During a recent election debate, Laporta expressed his belief that with Xavi at the helm, they would face defeat, whereas under the current German coach Hansi Flick, he expected victory. He acknowledged Xavi's hurt feelings, stating, "With the same players, Flick wins." Xavi returned to Barcelona in 2021, the club where he shone as a player from 1998 to 2015, and managed the team until 2024, securing both the league and the Supercopa de España titles in 2023. Laporta also disclosed that he had sent a contract to Jorge Messi, who subsequently came to his home and warned him that the pressure would be immense if Lionel returned to Barcelona. Messi's legendary status at Barcelona, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer and one of the greatest footballers in history, casts a long shadow over these developments.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
