Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has made striking revelations about the failed attempt to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou in 2023, claiming that club president Joan Laporta was the decisive factor in halting the move.
In an interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi explained that talks to re-sign Messi began soon after the Argentine superstar lifted the 2022 World Cup. He personally reached out to Messi in January 2023, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed enthusiasm about returning to the club where he became a global icon.
Negotiations reportedly advanced quickly, with Laporta even engaging Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi. According to Xavi, La Liga had approved the financial framework, making the deal feasible.
Yet, Laporta allegedly reversed course, fearing Messi’s comeback could spark a “wage war” within the squad and intensify financial strain on the club.
Xavi further claimed that Messi stopped responding to calls once informed the move was off the table. The Argentine eventually signed with Inter Miami CF later that year, ending hopes of a fairytale reunion at Barcelona.
Xavi insisted he was speaking out to “tell the truth,” stressing that Messi’s return collapsed not due to financial rules or player demands, but because Laporta ultimately did not want it to happen.
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