When many believed the story between Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona was completely over, Xavi Hernández revealed a truth that few expected. In an interview with a Spanish media outlet, the former coach of the Catalan side said that Messi’s return to the club was practically agreed upon after the 2022 World Cup, but Joan Laporta ultimately decided to stop the move.

The Terrassa native and one of the most iconic players in the club’s history stated that the president of Barcelona is not telling the full truth about what happened. According to Xavi, in January 2023 there were contacts with Messi, and the player himself expressed his desire to return to the club where he became a legend.

Later, in March, Messi contacted Xavi to tell him that, whenever the coach considered it appropriate, he would personally speak with Laporta to finalize his return to the Blaugrana side.

Advanced Negotiations After the World Cup

During that period, Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi, the player’s father and agent, were holding conversations to define the details of the contract. LaLiga had even given the green light to the operation, as Barcelona was beginning to recover from the difficult financial situation inherited from the administration of Josep Maria Bartomeu.

However, when everything seemed to be on track, it was Laporta himself who ended up canceling the operation.

Xavi also clarified that the decision had nothing to do with Messi’s willingness to return, nor with problems involving LaLiga, nor even with financial issues. According to him, the Argentine was not asking for more money to come back.

The Real Reason Behind the Decision

The reason, according to Xavi, was different: within the president’s inner circle there was a feeling that the club could not afford Messi’s return. His figure would concentrate too much power within the institution and could create difficulties in managing the locker room and the sporting project.

This revelation opens a new chapter in the already fractured relationship between Joan Laporta and the Messi family. Since the Argentine’s departure in 2021, the relationship that was once cordial has been seriously damaged, and these statements from Xavi could confirm that the break is practically definitive.

In addition, this situation appears to push even further away the possibility of a hypothetical return for Messi to Camp Nou, even if it were only for a tribute match. With FC Barcelona’s elections on the horizon, the issue could become a significant blow to Laporta’s public image.

While the president has managed to stabilize the club both financially and competitively, rejecting the return of the greatest figure in Barcelona’s history may not sit well with club members, who will head to the polls on March 15.

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