Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has revealed that club president Joan Laporta obstructed Lionel Messi‘s return to the team, citing concerns over a possible power struggle with the Inter Miami star.
In a revealing interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi accused Laporta of being dishonest multiple times and stated that arrangements were set for Messi to rejoin the Catalan side from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
“The president is lying about what happened with Messi,” Xavi asserted. “Leo was ready to sign. In January 2023, after he won the World Cup, I spoke to him, and he expressed excitement to learn.”
“We maintained discussions until March, and I told him: ‘Once you give me the green light, I will inform the president, as it works perfectly from a footballing standpoint.'”
“The president was directly involved in negotiating the contract with Leo’s father [Jorge], and we received approval from LaLiga on the financial aspects, but the president ultimately withdrew.”
“He warned me that Messi’s return would spark a conflict [with Laporta]. My goal is to set the record straight. Leo didn’t return because the president didn’t want him back.”
“It’s false to claim it was due to LaLiga’s financial restrictions or Jorge Messi asking for a higher salary. It was the president who decided against it, claiming he had to maintain the power dynamic and that Messi would not cope with it well.”
Xavi further mentioned that Laporta’s actions caused a rift between him and Messi for a time, though they have since reconciled and are back on speaking terms.
In response, Laporta expressed on Monday that he was “surprised and hurt” by Xavi’s allegations, insisting that it was Messi’s camp that opted against a return in 2023. He suggested that Xavi’s comments stemmed from his dismissal in 2024.
“When I hear what Xavi has said, I think about [current Barça coach] Hansi Flick,” Laporta remarked to RAC1. “Being the president of Barça is challenging, requiring tough decisions. I made the decisions I needed to make.”
“With Xavi, I recognized we were going to struggle, but I knew Flick would lead us to victories. I see why he feels hurt; Flick is achieving success with the same players.”
Regarding Messi, Laporta continued, “In 2023, I was told Messi wanted to come back, so I forwarded a contract to Jorge Messi. Later, Jorge visited my home and indicated that the pressure would be too intense for them, and they preferred to head to Miami.”
Xavi’s remarks come at a time when Laporta is seeking re-election as Barça president, with club members set to cast their votes on Sunday, choosing between him and Victor Font.
In the interview, Xavi also claimed that Laporta has been unduly influenced by his former brother-in-law, Alejandro Echevarría, who, according to him, wields greater power at Barça. Xavi accused Laporta of misleading him and the team regarding his departure as coach two years ago.
“Laporta claimed I wanted to remove 10 players, which is untrue,” Xavi stated. “I want the club members to understand the truth about what’s happening behind the scenes.”
“The president persuaded me to stay after I mentioned my intention to leave in January. He said to me directly: ‘I can’t imagine the team without you.'”
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“The president removed me without being truthful, influenced by someone who is above him: Alejandro Echevarría. In essence, it was Alejandro who truly made the decision to relieve me of my coaching duties.”
Xavi has not taken on another coaching role since leaving Barça. While he has received offers to return to the sidelines, he is currently enjoying time with his family and has hinted that he might consider a national team position in the future rather than returning to club management.