Ex-Barcelona manager Xavi alleges that Lionel Messi had consented to rejoin Camp Nou in 2023, yet the transfer was obstructed by chairman Joan Laporta.
Having just triumphed in the World Cup with Argentina, Messi was weighing his choices as his agreement with Paris Saint-Germain was set to conclude that summer. Barcelona manager Xavi then conversed with his ex-colleague, and an oral pact was established for Messi to make a comeback to the club where he had netted an unparalleled 672 goals before his departure in 2021, when the economically challenged Catalan giants were incapable of retaining him.
The transaction was approaching finalization; however, Xavi states that Laporta terminated the plan, leading to Messi ultimately joining Inter Miami. Laporta has consistently maintained that it was Messi who chose not to return to Barca, citing the strain such a move would have generated.
During a startling conversation with La Vanguardia, Xavi declared: “The chairman is being untruthful regarding what transpired with Messi. Leo was already secured. In January of 2023, subsequent to his triumph in the World Cup, I conversed with him, and he conveyed his eagerness to rejoin.
“We conversed until March, and I informed him: ‘Upon your approval, I will notify the chairman, as it operates flawlessly from a sporting aspect.’
“The chairman arranged the agreement with Leo’s father [Jorge], and we had fiscal approval from La Liga, but it was the chairman who subsequently withdrew.”
“He conveyed to me precisely that should Messi return, it would incite a conflict [against Laporta]. My objective is to reveal the facts. Leo did not arrive because the chairman did not desire his presence.
“It’s a falsehood to claim it’s because La Liga couldn’t sanction it economically, or that Jorge Messi demanded a higher sum. It was the chairman and his associates who declared they could not permit it, asserting that he [Laporta] holds complete authority and that Messi would react negatively to that situation.”
Messi desired a ‘Final Act’, akin to Michael Jordan
Xavi states that he and Messi had no communication for a period subsequent to the transfer’s collapse.
“I attempted to converse with Leo, but he didn’t answer the call,” he further stated. “I conversed with his father and informed him that I grasped nothing, and he instructed me to ‘speak with the chairman’.”
“Everything was fully arranged; it was destined to be his ‘final act,’ akin to Michael Jordan’s, completely prepared.”
Xavi ultimately departed Barca in May 2024, a mere four months after the club had swayed him to re-evaluate his initial choice to resign at the close of that campaign.
He asserts that Alejandro Echevarría, Laporta’s ex-brother-in-law, eventually dismissed him.
Xavi alleges: “He [Echevarria] virtually manages the club. I shared a strong bond [with him], a camaraderie, yet it ultimately betrayed me entirely.”
“In January, I informed him I would not proceed for the welfare of both the club and myself. I was conversing with Echevarría during those months, aware that he determines all matters. He urged me to continue, to re-evaluate my resolution. Yet, following the setback against PSG in the elite European competition, he telephoned me to inform me that the management was uncertain about my continued presence.”
“I proceeded to the chairman’s residence, and there Laporta deceives me once more. He informed me he cannot envision Barça without me. Subsequently, Echevarría appears and declares that my personnel is abysmal, and that the athletic conditioning is insufficient.”
Barcelona Head Laporta Refutes Xavi’s Assertions Prior to Election
Xavi’s tirade arises at an inopportune moment for Laporta, as the club’s voting is scheduled for Sunday. Laporta, who has served as Barca chairman for 12 years over two terms, is contesting against Victor Font.
He rejected Xavi’s allegations and maintains that his dismissal was beneficial for the club.
“When I observe what Xavi has expressed, I reflect on [present Barça manager] Hansi Flick,” Laporta conveyed to RAC1. “Serving as Barça chairman is a demanding role, and one must make challenging choices. I acted as I was compelled.”
“With Xavi, I perceived that we were destined for defeat, and that with Flick, we were set for victory. I comprehend that he is aggrieved. Utilizing the identical squad, Flick is achieving victory.”
“Concerning Messi, the reality was this: In 2023, I was informed that Messi desired to come back, and I dispatched the agreement to Jorge Messi, who subsequently visited my residence and informed me that there would be excessive strain back here, and that they would rather relocate to Miami.”