GOD55News | Laporta Blasts Xavi Over Messi Claims & Barca Fallout

During a heated presidential debate ahead of the March 15 elections, Joan Laporta fired back at former manager Xavi, responding to allegations that he intentionally blocked Lionel Messi’s return to Camp Nou. Laporta depicted a coach weighed down by the pressures of the role and suggested that Messi’s departure was largely influenced by a perceived lack of professional focus rather than any interference from the club.

The Messi Return That Wasn't: A Blame Game Erupts

Xavi's Bombshell Allegations

In a stunning revelation that sent shockwaves through the football world, former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández declared that Lionel Messi was on the brink of a sensational return to Camp Nou in 2023. Xavi claimed discussions began post-World Cup, with Messi expressing a clear desire to come back.

Crucially, Xavi asserted that Barcelona had even received La Liga approval regarding financial fair play, implying the path was clear until Laporta allegedly intervened due to fears of political and institutional repercussions within the club.

Laporta Fires Back

During a heated presidential debate ahead of the March 15 elections, club president Joan Laporta hit back at Xavi’s claims. He insisted that Messi’s return in 2023 was never blocked by the board, but rather was a personal decision by the Argentine superstar. Laporta revealed that a formal contract was sent to Messi’s father, Jorge, who politely declined in May, citing the excessive pressure of returning to Camp Nou and preferring a move to Miami instead.

The Barcelona chief also criticized Xavi, suggesting that the former manager struggled to balance family life with the demands of the job. According to Laporta, Xavi often expressed dissatisfaction with the squad and doubted the team’s competitiveness in Europe, which contributed to tensions within the club.

La Liga Disputes Xavi’s Version

Even La Liga president Javier Tebas disputed Xavi’s account, stating that the league had not given approval for such a deal to proceed. This casts further doubt on the narrative that Laporta actively blocked Messi’s return, highlighting the complexity of high-profile negotiations in football.

Tensions Over Club Structure and Staff

The debate also spotlighted internal disagreements over Barcelona’s sporting direction, particularly involving sporting director Deco. Laporta defended Deco as one of the best in the club’s history and warned that proposed structural changes could destabilize first-team manager Hansi Flick. Flick himself declined to comment on past discussions with Xavi, emphasizing the confidentiality of their professional interactions.