Former FC Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernández has made a sensational claim about why Lionel Messi never returned to the club in 2023, accusing club president Joan Laporta of blocking the move.
Speaking in an explosive interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi alleged that the Argentine superstar’s return from Paris Saint-Germain was already agreed in principle before Laporta changed his mind.
The former Barcelona legend’s have reopened one of football’s biggest “what-if” stories;
“What might have happened if Lionel Messi had returned to Camp Nou in 2023??”
“The President Is Lying About Messi” – Xavi
According to Xavi, discussions with Messi began shortly after the forward won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina national football team.
The former Barcelona midfielder said Messi was excited about returning to the Camp Nou and that negotiations progressed smoothly early in 2023.
“The president is lying about what happened with Messi,” Xavi said.
“Leo was signed. In January of 2023, after he had won the World Cup, I spoke to him and he told me he was excited to return.”
Xavi explained that discussions continued for months while he waited for Messi’s final approval before informing Laporta.
“We spoke until March and I told him: ‘Once you give me the OK, I will tell the president because it works perfectly on a football level.’”
He also claimed that the club had already begun negotiating with Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi.
“Laporta Pulled Out at the Last Moment” – Xavi
Xavi alleged that both financial approval from LaLiga and negotiations with Messi’s camp had progressed before Laporta ultimately stopped the deal.
“The president negotiated the contract with Leo’s dad and we had the green light from LaLiga financially, but it’s the president who pulled out.”
According to Xavi, Laporta feared Messi’s return could create internal tensions or challenge his authority.
“He told me that if Messi came back, he would make a war against Laporta. Leo didn’t come because the president didn’t want him.”
Xavi also rejected previous claims that financial restrictions or demands from Messi’s camp prevented the transfer.
“It’s a lie to say it’s because LaLiga wouldn’t allow it financially or that Jorge Messi asked for more money.”
Laporta Fires Back
Laporta quickly responded to the allegations, saying he was “surprised and hurt” by Xavi’s remarks.
In an interview with RAC1, the Barcelona president insisted that it was actually Messi’s camp that decided against a return.
“When I see what Xavi has said, I think about Hansi Flick. Being Barça president is a tough job and you have to make difficult decisions.”
Laporta claimed that Messi’s father later informed him that returning to Barcelona would bring too much pressure.
“I sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who 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.”
Messi eventually joined Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer later that year.
Fresh Tension Ahead of Barcelona Elections
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Barcelona, with Laporta seeking re-election as club president against challenger Victor Font.
During the same interview, Xavi accused Laporta of repeatedly misleading him and even suggested that real power within the club lies with Laporta’s former brother-in-law.
“The president got rid of me without telling me the truth, conditioned by a person who is above him, Alejandro Echevarría.”
Xavi also denied claims that he wanted to remove several players from the squad during his tenure.
“The president said I wanted to get rid of 10 players and it’s not true.”
“I want the club’s members to know the truth about what happens inside the club.”
Xavi’s Life After Barcelona Revealed
Since leaving Barcelona in 2024, Xavi has remained out of coaching.
The former Spain national football team midfielder said he has received offers but is currently enjoying time with his family.
However, he hinted that a future role with a national team could tempt him back into management.
