Xavi accuses Laporta of vetoing Messi’s return despite LaLiga approving and contract almost closed

Xavi Hernández, former historic player and former coach of FC Barcelona, made serious accusations against the current president Joan Laporta. In an interview with the newspaper La Vanguardia and published this Sunday (8), the former midfielder revealed that Lionel Messi was about to return to the Catalan club in January 2023, shortly after winning Copa from Segundo Xavi, negotiations progressed for months, received approval from LaLiga and had the express will of the player himself, but were interrupted by a unilateral decision by Laporta.

The former coach detailed that he maintained direct contact with Messi and the athlete’s father, Jorge Messi, during the period between the end of Copa of Mundo and March 2023. Xavi also stated that LaLiga had given the green light to the financial operation, contradicting the official version released by the club at the time.

Direct accusations against the president

Xavi was emphatic in stating that the main obstacle did not come from excessive financial demands from the Messi family nor from LaLiga restrictions. Ele said that Laporta expressed concern about possible salary disputes within the cast if Messi returned.

The former coach reported that the president even declared that he would not accept a salary “war” and that this would question his authority at the club. Após the impasse, Xavi tried to speak to Messi again, but the player no longer answered the calls, as instructed by Laporta himself so that the matter could be discussed directly with him.

Xavi reinforced that Laporta did not tell the fans the truth about the real reasons for the failure of the negotiation. Para the former commander, the decision was personal and motivated by fear of losing internal control.

Chronology of failed negotiations

Talks began shortly after Copa’s Mundo final in December 2022.

Between January and March 2023, several rounds of dialogue took place involving the player, his father and the board. Xavi guaranteed that LaLiga authorized the operation within the financial fair play in force at the time.

The agreement included already aligned salary terms and contract length. Laporta took over the final negotiation, but decided to back out without providing a clear technical or regulatory justification.

Xavi described the episode as a missed opportunity for the club and for Messi to end his time at Barcelona in emotional fashion.

Reasons to reveal the facts now

Xavi explained that he chose this moment to speak because the Barcelona presidential elections are scheduled for March 15th. Ele denied acting out of personal revenge against Laporta.

The former coach highlighted that his objective is to show members and fans the need for profound changes in the club’s management. Ele stated that he witnessed structural problems up close during his time as a coach.

Xavi insisted he is not resentful, but considers it essential that people know the truth about decisions made behind the scenes.

Criticisms of Laporta’s conduct in management

Xavi categorically denied having defended the departure of ten players, as was reported in the press during his tenure. Ele said only one name was discussed in conversations about possible sales.

The former coach accused Laporta of having promoted a negative campaign against him in the media. Ele avoided mentioning the names of journalists or media outlets, but reinforced that he had suffered unfair attacks.

Xavi stated that the lack of transparency and honesty prevents Barcelona from functioning properly. Ele believes that the club needs a more open administration to regain its protagonism.

Perspective on Messi’s future at the club

Xavi was direct in declaring that Messi will never return to Barcelona as long as Laporta remains president. Ele attributed this exclusively to the position of the current president.

The former player highlighted that the personal relationship between him and Messi remains good. Ele regretted that the opportunity for a symbolic farewell had been lost.

Despite the club’s financial difficulties in 2023, Xavi assured that regulatory barriers were not impossible to overcome.

• LaLiga approval for the financial operation already existed
• Salary negotiations advanced with Jorge Messi
• Messi expressed his desire to return after Mundial
• Laporta interrupted the process citing the risk of internal conflict
• The return would be treated as the Argentine’s “last dance” at the club

Xavi’s final statement about Barcelona

Xavi ended the interview by stating that his cycle at Barcelona has definitively ended. Ele does not intend to return either as a player or as a coach.

He reiterated that he spoke now to contribute to transparency and help the club identify real problems. Para him, only with profound reforms will Barcelona be able to compete at a high level again.

The former midfielder said he remains a fan of the club and wants the best possible future. Ele believes that members deserve to know all the facts before voting in elections.