Xavi Reveals Laporta Blocked Messi’s Barcelona Return in 2023
Barcelona’s recent history is littered with ‘what ifs,’ and a bombshell revelation from former coach Xavi Hernández adds another layer of complexity to the club’s narrative. In an explosive interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi accused current president Joan Laporta of deliberately blocking Lionel Messi’s return to the Camp Nou in 2023, fearing a power struggle with the Argentine superstar.
The stunning claim, reported on , throws a fresh light on Messi’s eventual move to Inter Miami and raises serious questions about the decision-making processes at one of the world’s most iconic football clubs. According to Xavi, a deal was essentially done, with financial approval from LaLiga secured, but Laporta unilaterally pulled the plug.
“The president is lying about what happened with Messi,” Xavi stated. “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 learn.” Xavi detailed months of conversations with Messi, culminating in a point where a return seemed all but certain. He even pitched the idea of a “Last Dance” – a final, triumphant chapter for Messi in Barcelona, mirroring Michael Jordan’s return to the Chicago Bulls.
“We spoke until March and I told him: ‘Once you give me the OK, I will notify the president given that it works perfectly on a football level,’” Xavi explained. “The president negotiated the contract with Leo’s dad [Jorge] and we had the green light from LaLiga financially, but it’s the president who pulled out.”
The core of Laporta’s alleged objection, according to Xavi, wasn’t financial or logistical, but a fear of being overshadowed. “He told me that if Messi came back, he would make a war [against Laporta]. My interest is in telling the truth. Leo didn’t come because the president didn’t want him,” Xavi asserted. He vehemently denied reports that LaLiga’s financial regulations or demands from Messi’s father, Jorge, were the reasons for the collapse of the deal. “It’s a lie to say it’s because LaLiga [wouldn’t allow it financially] or Jorge Messi asked for more money. It was the president and his people who said they could not allow it, that he [Laporta] has all the power and that Messi would handle that badly.”
The fallout from this decision reportedly led to a period of strained relations between Xavi and Messi, though they have since reportedly resumed communication. However, the damage to Xavi’s standing within the club appears to have been done. He was sacked as Barcelona coach in May 2024, a decision he now suggests was influenced by the same power dynamics at play during the Messi saga.
Laporta responded to Xavi’s accusations on , expressing surprise and hurt, and claiming that it was the Messi camp who ultimately withdrew from negotiations. He also suggested Xavi’s comments were motivated by his dismissal from the club. This back-and-forth underscores a deep rift within Barcelona’s leadership and raises questions about the club’s direction.
The timing of Xavi’s revelations is particularly noteworthy, coming ahead of Barcelona’s presidential elections. He has publicly pledged his support to Victor Font, a rival candidate to Laporta, and his statements are likely to have a significant impact on the election outcome. The accusations paint a picture of a club where personal power struggles outweigh sporting ambition, a narrative that could resonate with disillusioned Barcelona fans.
The failed attempt to bring Messi back to Barcelona represents a missed opportunity of immense proportions. Not only would it have reunited the club with its greatest ever player, but it also would have provided a much-needed boost to morale and on-field performance. Messi’s subsequent success in MLS with Inter Miami further highlights the potential that was lost.
Xavi’s claims are not just a matter of historical interest. They speak to a broader issue of governance and decision-making within Barcelona. If Laporta’s fear of being overshadowed truly drove his decision to block Messi’s return, it raises serious questions about his priorities and his commitment to the club’s sporting success. The revelations are likely to fuel further debate and scrutiny as Barcelona navigates a critical period in its history.
The situation also underscores the complex relationship between club presidents and star players. While a strong leadership is essential, it must be balanced with a willingness to prioritize the team’s best interests. Xavi’s account suggests that this balance was lacking in the case of Messi’s potential return, a decision that continues to reverberate through the club today.