Xavi Exposes How Laporta Derailed Messi's Barcelona Return

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has lifted the lid on one of football's most tantalizing missed opportunities. In a stunning revelation, he's disclosed that Lionel Messi's highly anticipated return to Barcelona was completely arranged in 2023—only to be torpedoed by club president Joan Laporta.

In an explosive interview with Spanish publication La Vanguardia, Xavi made the shocking allegation that Messi's homecoming was essentially a done deal before Laporta intervened to stop it.

Cast your mind back to June 2023, when Messi departed Paris Saint-Germain. The football world expected the Argentine icon to make a triumphant return to Barcelona. Instead, he surprised everyone by joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Laporta publicly expressed disappointment at the time, insisting the club had exhausted every avenue to facilitate Messi's return.

Xavi's account paints an entirely different picture. Following Messi's legendary World Cup triumph in Qatar during December 2022, discussions began immediately. Xavi confirms he personally contacted his former Barcelona teammate in January 2023.

"Messi was already signed," Xavi declared without hesitation. "Following his World Cup victory, we made contact. He showed tremendous interest in coming back to Barcelona, and I spoke with him face-to-face."

Agreement Reached Before Everything Collapsed

Discussions between Xavi and Messi continued through March 2023. From a sporting standpoint, everything aligned perfectly. Xavi even assured Messi he would secure the president's blessing and final authorization. Negotiations commenced between Laporta and Jorge Messi, Lionel's father and representative. Reports indicate La Liga had also approved the transfer.

Then Laporta pulled the emergency brake. According to Xavi's account, the president made a startling statement: "If Messi comes back, he'll wage war against me. I cannot deal with that."

Almost immediately, Messi stopped responding to Xavi's messages. Someone had informed the superstar the deal was off. Xavi attempted to reach Jorge Messi, frantically seeking answers. Jorge's reply? "You need to speak with the president."

Xavi was left speechless. "We'd been negotiating with Messi for five months. Everything was settled. From a football perspective, there was zero doubt, and financially, there were no obstacles," he remembered saying.

A Legendary Career's Unfinished Chapter

The concept was extraordinary. Xavi envisioned creating a Barcelona equivalent of Michael Jordan's iconic "The Last Dance" documentary at the club's temporary venue, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. All arrangements had been made for a storybook conclusion.

Unfortunately, the situation strained Xavi and Messi's relationship. "I couldn't reach Messi for quite some time," Xavi confessed. Messi apparently believed Xavi was complicit in the decision-makers who prevented his return. Fortunately, they've since mended their friendship.

Xavi didn't mince words regarding accountability. "Let me be crystal clear. Messi didn't return to Barcelona because the president opposed it. It wasn't La Liga's fault, and it wasn't because Jorge Messi wanted excessive compensation. That's completely false."

He suspects Laporta and his advisors worried about maintaining authority. They believed Messi's enormous influence would undermine their control of the organization.

For Barcelona supporters and football betting enthusiasts, this disclosure fundamentally alters our understanding of the club's recent strategic choices. Messi's return would have instantly revolutionized Barcelona's competitive capabilities and commercial appeal. The squad lacked a reliable goal-scorer last campaign, and Messi could have addressed that deficiency perfectly.

Xavi obviously harbours resentment about these events. He's even stated that if Laporta wins re-election as president, he'll never manage Barcelona again. "Right now, what matters to me is speaking truthfully," he emphasized.

The 39-year-old Messi remains with Inter Miami, while Barcelona faithful contemplate what might have been. Based on Xavi's testimony, we were robbed of one of football's greatest comeback narratives due to internal politics.