Former Barcelona manager and legend Xavi Hernandez has publicly accused club president Joan Laporta of blocking Lionel Messi’s sensational return to Barcelona in 2023, claiming it was a “done deal” that fell through due to Laporta’s personal concerns about power dynamics rather than financial constraints.
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Xavi’s Claims and Messi Return Timeline
In an interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi revealed: “Leo was signed, in January 2023 after winning the World Cup, we got in touch and he told me he wanted to come back. We had the green light from La Liga (financially), but it was the president who threw it away.” The explosive claims have ignited fierce debate within Barcelona ahead of the club’s presidential elections scheduled for March 15, 2026.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup Victory | December 2022 | Argentina wins tournament; Messi named best player |
| Initial Contact | January 2023 | Xavi reaches out to Messi |
| Negotiations Begin | January-March 2023 | Five months of discussions with Messi and father Jorge |
| La Liga Approval | March 2023 | League grants financial green light |
| Laporta Intervention | March 2023 | President blocks deal citing wage war fears |
| Messi Silence | Post-March 2023 | Stops responding to Xavi’s calls |
| PSG Exit | Summer 2023 | Messi departs Paris Saint-Germain as free agent |
| Inter Miami Signing | August 2023 | Messi joins MLS instead of Barcelona |
Laporta’s Stated Reasons vs. Xavi’s Version
| Aspect | Laporta’s Version | Xavi’s Claim | Reality Disputed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Approval | La Liga blocking | La Liga approved deal | Conflicting accounts |
| Messi’s Decision | Jorge Messi decided against return | Laporta blocked it personally | Key dispute |
| Wage War | Not mentioned as factor | Laporta’s direct concern | Central to conflict |
| Power Struggle | Not relevant | Laporta feared Messi’s influence | Xavi’s explanation |
| Pressure Concerns | Jorge told Laporta too much pressure | Laporta prevented discussion | Different narratives |
Xavi’s Detailed Claims and Allegations
According to Xavi, “Laporta told me, word for word, that if Leo came back, he was going to wage war against him and that he couldn’t allow it.” He further stated that after Laporta’s intervention, “Leo stopped answering my calls because he’d been told that it couldn’t be done.”
Xavi emphasized the readiness of the deal: “I insisted that we had been talking to Leo for five months, it was a done deal, there were no doubts on the footballing side, financially we were going to Montjuic, and we were going to do a last dance like Jordan’s, everything was ready.”
The former manager claimed Messi’s silence stemmed from being told the return was impossible, damaging his relationship with the Argentine star. Xavi noted: “And then suddenly Leo stopped answering my calls because the other side had told him it couldn’t be done.”
Laporta’s Counter-Narrative and Defense
Laporta responded to Xavi’s accusations, stating: “In 2023, I was told Messi wanted to return, and I sent the contract to Jorge Messi. He later came to my house and told me that there would be too much pressure back here and that they would prefer to go to Miami.”
Laporta dismissed Xavi’s frustration, saying: “I understand that (Xavi) is hurt — with the same players Flick wins,” comparing the former manager unfavorably to current coach Hansi Flick.
Political Context and Election Implications
The revelations emerged just days before Barcelona’s presidential elections, with Xavi publicly endorsing rival candidate Victor Font. This has fueled speculation that the timing aims to influence voters by highlighting internal club politics and past leadership choices, with many supporters accusing Laporta of betraying the club’s legacy.
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FAQs
Was Messi’s 2023 Barcelona return actually a done deal?
According to Xavi, yes—he claims it was essentially completed with La Liga approval and Messi’s agreement, but Laporta blocked it personally.
Why did Laporta allegedly prevent Messi’s return?
Xavi claims Laporta told him that Messi’s return would create a wage war and power struggle he couldn’t allow, citing concerns about internal conflict rather than financial constraints.
Did La Liga approve Messi’s 2023 return?
Xavi claims La Liga approved it, but La Liga president Javier Tebas later responded by denying any such approval, saying there was never a green light from the league.
What is Laporta’s version of events?
Laporta claims he sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who later came to his house and told him there would be too much pressure and they preferred to go to Inter Miami instead.
Why is Xavi making these claims now?
Xavi publicly endorsed rival candidate Victor Font during the Barcelona presidential election period, with speculation that the timing aims to influence voters by highlighting Laporta’s past leadership decisions.
