Xavi Hernandez Accuses Joan Laporta of Sabotaging Lionel Messi's Barcelona Return

In a explosive interview with La Vanguardia published ahead of Barcelona's upcoming presidential elections, former coach and club legend Xavi Hernandez has leveled serious accusations against president Joan Laporta. Xavi claims that Lionel Messi's anticipated homecoming in 2023 was "a done deal" following Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, only to be deliberately blocked by Laporta.

According to Xavi, negotiations progressed smoothly after Messi expressed his desire to return. "Leo was already signed," he stated. "In January 2023, after winning the World Cup, we got in touch, and he told me he was keen to come back." The club reportedly secured La Liga's approval for the move, with Messi willing to join for a symbolic "last dance" at the club he helped define for over two decades.

However, Xavi alleges Laporta intervened and halted the transfer. He revealed that the president feared Messi's immense influence would spark a "wage war" or power struggle within the club. "Laporta told me that if Leo came back, there would be a war against him, and he couldn't allow that," Xavi said, dismissing earlier explanations of financial constraints or excessive demands from Messi's camp as "lies."

The revelations have reignited fan debates and intensified scrutiny on Laporta's leadership, especially with elections looming. While some supporters view Xavi's comments as politically timed—potentially aiding opposition candidate Víctor Font—others see them as confirmation of internal dysfunction that cost Barcelona a chance to reunite with their greatest icon. Messi's camp has reportedly validated aspects of Xavi's account, adding fuel to the controversy surrounding one of football's most enduring sagas.