A fresh controversy has surfaced around the failed return of Lionel Messi to FC Barcelona in 2023 after former head coach Xavi Hernández alleged that club president Joan Laporta personally prevented the transfer despite the deal being close to completion.
According to Xavi, discussions about Messi rejoining Barcelona began shortly after the Argentine star lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina national football team in Qatar. The possibility of the legendary forward returning to the Catalan club created excitement among fans who had watched him leave the club in 2021 due to financial constraints.
Xavi revealed that he had several conversations with Messi between January and March 2023 regarding a possible reunion at Barcelona. He stated that from a sporting perspective, everything aligned well and the plan was to inform the club president once Messi confirmed his decision to return.
The former Barcelona manager claimed that the club had already progressed with the negotiations and that the financial framework had even received a green signal from La Liga. However, Xavi alleged that the final decision to cancel the move came directly from Laporta.
According to Xavi, Laporta expressed concerns that Messi’s return could create internal conflicts and power struggles within the club. He suggested that the president feared the superstar’s influence might disrupt the authority structure at Barcelona.
While Xavi insists the move collapsed due to the president’s decision, Laporta has offered a completely different explanation. The Barcelona president stated that the club had sent a contract proposal to Messi’s father and agent Jorge Messi and believed the deal was possible.
Laporta, however, claimed that Messi’s camp ultimately decided against returning because they expected intense pressure if he rejoined Barcelona. Instead, Messi chose to continue his career in the United States with Inter Miami CF.
The conflicting accounts from Xavi and Laporta have revived debate among fans about what truly happened behind the scenes during one of football’s most emotional potential reunions. Even years after Messi’s departure, the story of his possible return continues to spark strong reactions among supporters of Barcelona.