Fresh tensions have emerged at FC Barcelona after former manager Xavi made explosive claims regarding the failed return of club legend Lionel Messi. In a recent interview with the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, Xavi alleged that Messi’s comeback to the Catalan giants after the 2022 FIFA World Cup was practically completed before club president Joan Laporta stepped in to halt the deal.
According to Xavi, Barcelona had already reached an agreement with Messi’s representatives and even received approval from La Liga regarding the financial aspects of the transfer. The former midfielder insisted that Messi himself was eager to return to the club where he built his legendary career.
However, Xavi claims the move was ultimately blocked by Laporta.
“Leo Messi’s return to Barcelona was a done deal after Argentina won the World Cup,” Xavi told La Vanguardia. “We even had La Liga’s green light and Messi wanted to come back, but Laporta stopped the signing.”
Xavi further alleged that Laporta feared Messi’s return would create internal financial complications within the club.
“Laporta told me that if Leo came back there would be a wage war and the club could not afford that,” he explained.
Messi’s camp reportedly supported Xavi’s version of events, suggesting the player was indeed open to returning to the Camp Nou before the deal collapsed.
Laporta Responds
Barcelona president Joan Laporta did not take the remarks lightly. Speaking publicly about the interview, Laporta admitted he was surprised and personally hurt by Xavi’s comments.
“Xavi’s interview surprised me and hurt me,” Laporta said. “I understand that he’s hurt.”
Laporta also defended the club’s current sporting direction, pointing to the progress made under new manager Hansi Flick. The president suggested the team has improved significantly compared to the final period of Xavi’s tenure.
“With the same players, Flick wins… and Xavi didn’t,” Laporta added. “With Xavi I saw that we were going to lose and with Flick that we are going to win.”
Transfer Frustrations Under Xavi
Beyond the Messi saga, Xavi also revealed frustrations with the club’s transfer decisions during his time as manager. He claimed he pushed strongly for Barcelona to sign Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi as a replacement for Sergio Busquets.
According to Xavi, the club rejected the move due to financial constraints and instead opted for a cheaper alternative.
“I asked Barcelona management to sign Zubimendi, but they said no. It was a financial decision,” Xavi explained. “We had lost Busquets and I felt Zubimendi was the ideal replacement.”
The former Barcelona captain also criticized what he described as behind-the-scenes moves to replace him as coach while he was still in charge, as well as the growing influence of certain advisors within the club’s leadership structure.
Xavi Rules Out Barcelona Return
Despite his deep connection to the club where he spent most of his playing career, Xavi made it clear that he does not see himself returning to the Barcelona dugout anytime soon.
“My chapter as Barcelona manager is over for how I see it now. I’m not going to return,” he said.
The interview has reignited debate among Barcelona supporters about the club’s leadership decisions and whether Messi’s emotional return could have been possible after his historic World Cup triumph with Argentina.
For now, the controversy highlights ongoing divisions surrounding one of football’s biggest clubs, while Barcelona continue to move forward under Hansi Flick’s management.