A fresh twist has emerged in the long running debate about Lionel Messi potentially returning to FC Barcelona in 2023. Former Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany has publicly supported comments made by former manager Xavi Hernández, suggesting that the Argentine superstar’s comeback to the club was closer to reality than many believed.
According to Xavi, discussions around bringing Messi back to Barcelona had progressed significantly before the plan eventually collapsed. The coach previously stated that negotiations had taken place with Messi’s family and that the club believed the move was financially possible within league regulations.
Xavi even accused Barcelona president Joan Laporta of presenting an inaccurate version of events about the failed transfer. His remarks sparked major debate within the football community, with some supporters viewing the claims as frustration from a former coach whose relationship with the club leadership had deteriorated.
However, Alemany’s recent statement has added new credibility to Xavi’s perspective. Having served as Barcelona’s sporting director during the period when Messi’s potential return was being discussed, Alemany confirmed that the club’s internal understanding at the time was that approval from La Liga had been obtained to make the move financially viable.
This confirmation is significant because the financial feasibility of Messi’s return has always been the most disputed aspect of the story. While Barcelona officials and La Liga president Javier Tebas previously questioned whether such approval existed, Alemany’s remarks indicate that those inside the club believed the path had opened for the transfer.
The renewed discussion highlights the complex circumstances surrounding Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021, which remains one of the most emotional moments in the club’s modern history. Many fans had hoped for a reunion with their legendary forward two years later, especially before Messi eventually joined Inter Miami CF.
Although Alemany’s comments do not completely settle the debate, they strengthen Xavi’s claims and suggest that internal decisions within Barcelona may have played a bigger role in preventing the historic return.
