Barcelona, Spain – In a bombshell interview with La Vanguardia, former FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has leveled scathing accusations against club president Joan Laporta and his close advisor, Alejandro Echevarría. The outspoken critique, coming just a week before the club’s presidential elections, alleges that Laporta personally prevented Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated return to the Camp Nou in 2023, and that Echevarría wields undue influence over the club’s decision-making processes.
Xavi, who was dismissed as Barcelona’s manager in 2024, claims he felt compelled to speak out after a prolonged period of silence. “I’m liberated to tell the truth,” he stated, according to reports. The revelations have sent shockwaves through the Barcelona faithful and injected a recent level of drama into the upcoming election cycle.
Messi’s Near Return Thwarted by Laporta, Claims Xavi
The most explosive claim centers around Messi’s potential return to Barcelona following his departure for Paris Saint-Germain. Xavi asserts that a deal was nearly finalized during his tenure as manager, with Messi expressing a strong desire to rejoin the club in January 2023, shortly after winning the World Cup with Argentina. “I contacted him after winning the World Cup and he told me he was excited to return, and I saw it,” Xavi said. “We spoke until March, and I told him, ‘When you give me the OK, I’ll tell the president.’”
Crucially, Xavi states that LaLiga had given the green light to the transfer, but Laporta ultimately pulled the plug. “Laporta told me directly that if Messi returned, he would start a war with him and couldn’t allow it,” Xavi alleges. He attempted to reach Messi directly, but was unsuccessful, eventually speaking with Messi’s father, who advised him to speak with the president. Xavi described the potential return as Messi’s “last dance,” mirroring Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls, and lamented that it was ultimately scuttled by Laporta’s decision.
Echevarría’s Shadow Over Barcelona
Beyond the Messi saga, Xavi’s accusations extend to the internal power dynamics at Barcelona, specifically highlighting the influence of Alejandro Echevarría. Xavi claims Echevarría operates as the true power broker within the club, even surpassing Laporta’s authority. “That’s how this Barcelona works, it’s practically led by Alejandro Echevarría,” he stated. He described his dismissal as manager as being directly influenced by Echevarría, stating, “He is the one who dismissed me as coach.”
Xavi further detailed a pattern of interactions with Echevarría in the months leading up to his departure, noting that Echevarría repeatedly urged him to reconsider his decision to step down. But, following Barcelona’s Champions League exit, Xavi alleges Echevarría informed him that the board no longer fully supported his position. A subsequent meeting with Laporta, Xavi claims, was another instance of deception.
Disagreements Over Tactics and Transfers
The interview also shed light on disagreements between Xavi and the club’s leadership regarding squad building. Xavi revealed he requested the signing of Zubimendi but was told it was not financially feasible. He also pointed to the departures of Jordi Cruyff and Oscar Alemany, both figures he believes were undervalued by the club. “I should have left then too,” Xavi admitted, feeling he had lost control of the situation.
Xavi also criticized what he perceived as a campaign to undermine his authority, alleging that Laporta spoke directly to players like Sergi Roberto, Araújo, Pedri, and Raphinha, suggesting he was planning to sell them. He vehemently denied these claims, stating that he only discussed potential sales in general terms.
Flick’s Arrival and a Disappointing Exit
The interview also touched upon the arrival of Hansi Flick as Barcelona’s new manager. Xavi revealed that Flick even apologized for initially denying rumors of his appointment, explaining that he was instructed by the club to remain silent. Xavi described feeling betrayed by the lack of transparency throughout the process.
Xavi made it clear he has no intention of returning to Barcelona in any capacity, stating, “I will never return to Barça. I have already had my time as a player, and coach.” He emphasized his desire to simply tell the truth about his experience at the club.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
These accusations arrive at a critical juncture for Barcelona, with presidential elections looming. The revelations are likely to significantly impact the campaign and could sway voters. The club has not yet responded directly to Xavi’s claims, but the fallout is expected to be substantial. The election is scheduled for March 16, 2026, and the outcome will determine the future direction of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs. Barcelona will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals on April 7, 2026, a match that will be closely watched as the club navigates this period of internal turmoil.
The situation raises serious questions about the leadership structure at Barcelona and the extent of Echevarría’s influence. Whether these allegations will ultimately derail Laporta’s bid for re-election remains to be seen, but Xavi Hernández has undoubtedly thrown a wrench into the works with his candid and damning assessment of his time at the club.
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