Lionel Messi's highly anticipated return to Barcelona came closer to becoming a reality than previously known. Xavi Hernández, who was managing the Catalan club at the time, revealed that he held talks with the Argentine for approximately four months in an attempt to bring him back in 2023.
The Details Behind Messi's Failed Barcelona Return
Xavi Hernández revealed that Lionel Messi came close to returning to Barcelona in 2023, but the move was ultimately called off.
According to Xavi, both Messi and the coaching staff were excited about the possibility. The manager believed the World Cup winner could still make a difference and had begun designing a sporting plan in which the Argentine would play an important role.
"Messi really wanted to return to Barcelona, and I was completely in favor of it," Xavi said, adding that he was already imagining a special homecoming for his former teammate.
Xavi Was Already Envisioning Messi's Return
The possibility progressed to the point where Xavi envisioned a special presentation for Messi at Montjuïc, comparing what could have happened to "Michael Jordan's Last Dance."
The then-Barcelona coach also believed the team needed the Argentine's talent again. According to Xavi, his physical condition was still good enough to compete at the highest level, especially after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Argentina.
During months of discussions, the coaching staff worked under the expectation that the return could happen. Xavi also said the situation had been discussed with Joan Laporta, the club's president.
One Decision Changed Everything
However, the potential move took an unexpected turn. According to Xavi's account, Laporta ultimately decided not to move forward with the signing, bringing the possibility of a return to an end.
"Suddenly, the president canceled everything," the coach explained, describing the situation as "very strange" because of the conversations they had previously held.
One of the most difficult moments came when Xavi had to personally tell Messi that the move would no longer happen. Both the player and the coaching staff had built significant expectations around his possible return.
Ultimately, the Argentine did not wear the Barcelona jersey again. After ending his spell with PSG, Messi continued his career with Inter Miami.
For Xavi, that second chapter could have been a special period for both sides, but the plans never materialized, leaving Messi's highly anticipated return to the club where he built much of his legendary career as nothing more than a possibility.
