Xavi: Joan Laporta prevented Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona due to concerns over a power conflict.

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández asserts that Joan Laporta obstructed Lionel Messi’s return to the club due to concerns over a potential power conflict with the Inter Miami player.

In a revealing interview with La Vanguardia, where he accused Barça president Laporta of dishonesty multiple times, Xavi stated that all arrangements were set for Messi to rejoin the Catalan side from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

“The president is not being truthful about the situation with Messi,” Xavi remarked. “Leo was on board. In January 2023, after he had secured the World Cup, I communicated with him, and he expressed enthusiasm about the prospect.

“We continued our discussions until March, and I informed him: ‘Once you give me the green light, I will notify the president because it aligns perfectly from a football perspective.’

“The president handled the contract negotiations with Leo’s father [Jorge], and we had received financial approval from LaLiga, but it was the president who withdrew.

“He indicated that if Messi returned, it would lead to a conflict [against Laporta]. My goal is to convey the truth. Leo did not return because the president was opposed to it.

“It is false to claim that it was due to LaLiga [not permitting it financially] or that Jorge Messi requested more funds. It was the president and his associates who stated they could not permit it, asserting that he [Laporta] holds all the authority and that Messi would not handle that well.”

Xavi mentioned that Laporta’s actions resulted in a period of silence between him and Messi, although he noted that they are currently back in communication.

Laporta responded on Monday, expressing that he was “surprised and hurt” by Xavi’s allegations, while maintaining that it was the Messi camp that opted out of a 2023 return and implying that the former Spain international was speaking out due to his dismissal in 2024.

“When I reflect on what Xavi has stated, I think of [current Barça coach] Hansi Flick,” Laporta told RAC1. “Being the president of Barça is a challenging role, and tough decisions must be made. I acted as I needed to.

“With Xavi, I recognized that we were on the path to losing, whereas with Flick, we were poised to win. I understand that he is feeling hurt. With the same players, Flick is achieving victories.

“Regarding Messi, this is how it unfolded: In 2023, I was informed that Messi wished to return, and I forwarded the contract to Jorge Messi, who later visited my home and conveyed that there would be excessive pressure here and that they would prefer to go to Miami.”

Xavi’s remarks emerge at the beginning of a week in which Laporta aims to be re-elected as Barça president, with club members set to vote on Sunday between him and Victor Font.

During the interview, Xavi also accused Laporta of being influenced by his former brother-in-law, Alejandro Echevarría — whom he claims truly holds power at Barça — and of misleading him and the team regarding matters surrounding his departure as coach two years prior.

“The president claimed I wanted to dismiss 10 players, which is untrue,” Xavi stated. “I want the club’s members to be aware of the reality of what occurs within the club.

“Laporta persuaded me to remain when I had indicated in January that I was leaving. He told me, verbatim: ‘I cannot envision the team without you.’

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“The president dismissed me without revealing the truth, influenced by someone who is above him, namely Alejandro Echevarría. In essence, it was Alejandro who truly removed me as coach.”

Xavi has been without a coaching position since leaving Barça. He mentioned that he has received offers to return to coaching but is currently enjoying time with his family, adding that he might be interested in taking on a national team role in the future rather than returning to club management.