My Barcelona, Not Messi’s Shadow

Joan Laporta asserts his lack of apprehension that Lionel Messi will jeopardize his campaign to regain the Barcelona presidency. Related: The Ring That Listens: Sa…

Laporta will face off against Victor Font this Sunday; however, the concluding week of his electoral push has been marred by allegations that he blocked a transfer to repatriate Messi to Camp Nou in 2023.

This claim originated from Barca’s then-manager, Xavi, during an interview yesterday. Messi had recently triumphed in the World Cup with Argentina and was considering his alternatives, as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain was set to conclude that summer. Xavi states he conversed with his erstwhile colleague, and a tacit accord existed for Messi to rejoin the club where he had amassed an unparalleled 672 goals before his 2021 departure, when the financially distressed Catalan powerhouse could not retain him.

The agreement was close to finalization but, Xavi contends, Laporta halted proceedings, with Messi ultimately transferring to Inter Miami. Laporta, however, has consistently asserted that it was Messi himself who chose not to return to Barca, citing the immense strain it would have generated.

Inquired this morning whether he apprehended that either Messi or his father, Jorge, would corroborate Xavi’s account in the forthcoming days, Laporta informed COPE: “Absolutely not. I am persuaded that he [Jorge Messi] would echo my statement, because the discussion transpired as recounted, unless their accounts diverge. However, I do not anticipate them altering their statements because with Jorge, we have consistently maintained mutual understanding. 

“Our intention is not to distract from the concerns of the culés, because the president and the executive board are to be chosen, and within this framework, Xavi’s input holds no significance whatsoever. If he has siphoned off any of my votes, then the surveys will indicate.”

Messi controversy eclipses genuine Barcelona concerns, states Laporta

This matter constitutes an unwelcome diversion for Laporta, who is aiming to retain the presidency and prolong his term, which has already spanned 12 years across two separate periods. 

He further remarked: ”I fail to comprehend Xavi’s statements. Leo was meant to come back [to Barcelona] after his time at PSG; however, Jorge Messi visited my residence and conveyed that they would be more content in Miami than in Saudi Arabia or Barcelona, locales where they would face considerable strain. 

“This [issue] solely seeks to warp the ballot. What Xavi says is inaccurate, but it is being leveraged by Font and offers no substance to the electoral discourse.”

Xavi was dismissed by Laporta in May 2024, a mere four months after the club convinced him to re-evaluate his initial choice to depart at the conclusion of that campaign.

Laporta is being untruthful about Messi, Xavi alleges

The erstwhile Spanish midfielder was questioned regarding Messi during a controversial interview with La Vanguardia and stated: “The president is being dishonest about the events concerning Messi. Leo’s return was agreed upon. In January 2023, following his World Cup triumph, I conversed with him, and he conveyed he was eager for a comeback.

“Our discussions continued until March, and I told him: ‘Once you provide your assent, I will inform the president because it aligns flawlessly from a footballing standpoint.’

“The president discussed the terms of the agreement with Leo’s father [Jorge], and we secured financial approval from La Liga, but it was the president who ultimately withdrew.

“He stated to me explicitly that should Messi return, it would provoke significant contention. My aim is to convey the facts. Leo did not arrive because the president had no desire for him.

“It is untrue to assert that it was due to La Liga [would not permit it financially] or that Jorge Messi demanded additional funds. It was the president and his associates who declared they were unable to sanction it, claiming he [Laporta] wields complete authority and that Messi would react poorly to that circumstance.”