Xavi claims Joan Laporta blocked Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona
Former Barcelona manager Xavi has accused club president Joan Laporta of deliberately vetoing a proposed return for Lionel Messi in 2023 despite securing financial approval from La Liga.
The revelation comes during an explosive interview with La Vanguardia just a week before the Catalan club’s presidential elections are scheduled to take place.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner famously left Camp Nou in 2021 amid severe financial difficulties, spending two unhappy seasons at Paris St-Germain before ultimately joining Inter Miami.
‘Laporta threw everything out’
Rumours of a romantic return to Spain heavily circulated following the Argentine’s triumphant World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Discussions between the coaching staff and the player’s camp apparently progressed seamlessly for several months during early 2023.
However, the legendary Spanish midfielder alleges that the highly anticipated transfer collapsed entirely due to executive interference.
“The president started negotiating the contract with Leo’s father, and we had La Liga’s approval, but it was the president who threw everything out.”
Fears of a ‘war’ and damaged relationships
According to the 44-year-old tactician, the club hierarchy feared the unparalleled influence the forward would wield upon his homecoming.
“Laporta told me, and I quote, that if Leo came back, he was going to wage war against him and that he couldn’t allow it.”
Following this private declaration, communication between the recruitment team and the player’s representatives abruptly ceased.
The South American icon reportedly stopped answering calls from his former team-mate after being informed by executives that the transfer was unfeasible.
This sudden breakdown in communication temporarily fractured the bond between two of Barcelona’s most celebrated figures.
“It affected my relationship with Leo a lot, but now it’s good again because he understands it now,” added Xavi.
