Barcelona, Spain – The possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona after his departure to Paris Saint-Germain captivated fans for years. However, a recent explosive interview with former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has revealed a stunning claim: that then-president Joan Laporta actively blocked the move, fearing a power struggle with the Argentine superstar. The revelation, reported on March 9, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the football world and reopened old wounds at the Catalan club.
Xavi, speaking to La Vanguardia, alleges that a deal to bring Messi back to Camp Nou in 2023 was essentially complete, with Messi himself eager to rejoin the club after winning the World Cup with Argentina. According to Xavi, financial approval from La Liga had even been secured. Yet, Laporta allegedly intervened, halting the transfer despite its feasibility. “The president is lying about what happened with Messi,” Xavi stated. “Leo was signed. In January 2023, after he had won the World Cup, I spoke to him and he told me he was excited to learn.”
The core of Xavi’s accusation centers on Laporta’s perceived insecurity. Xavi claims Laporta feared Messi’s return would overshadow his own authority and create an untenable dynamic within the club. “He told me that if Messi came back, he would make a war [against Laporta],” Xavi explained. “My interest is in telling the truth. Leo didn’t approach because the president didn’t want him.” This assertion directly contradicts Laporta’s previous explanations, which attributed the failed transfer to financial constraints and, later, to Messi’s preference for Inter Miami.
Laporta’s Response and Counterclaims
Joan Laporta swiftly responded to Xavi’s accusations, expressing surprise and hurt. He insisted that the Messi camp, not Barcelona, ultimately decided against a return, citing concerns about pressure and a preference for a move to Major League Soccer. “In 2023, I was told that Messi wanted to return and I sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who then came to my office and told me there would be too much pressure here and they preferred to move to Miami,” Laporta stated, attempting to shift the narrative. He also subtly criticized Xavi, suggesting his comments stemmed from disappointment over his dismissal as coach in 2024.
However, Laporta’s explanation is further complicated by the assertion from Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, who stated that the league never authorized the transfer in the first place. “It’s not true. La Liga didn’t authorize anything and didn’t give any agreement,” Tebas said, directly challenging Laporta’s claim that financial regulations were the primary obstacle. This discrepancy raises further questions about the true reasons behind the failed move.
The Context of a Fractured Relationship
The fallout between Xavi and Laporta underscores a deeper tension within Barcelona. Xavi, a club legend as both a player and manager, had envisioned Messi as a cornerstone of his project to restore Barcelona to its former glory. His dismissal in 2024, after a period of inconsistent results, appears to have fueled his willingness to publicly challenge Laporta’s version of events. The timing of Xavi’s interview, coinciding with Barcelona’s ongoing presidential elections, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The 2023 attempt to bring Messi back occurred during a period of significant financial difficulty for Barcelona. The club was grappling with substantial debt and strict financial regulations imposed by La Liga. While Laporta initially pointed to these regulations as the reason for the failed transfer, Xavi’s claims suggest a more personal and political motivation. The situation highlights the delicate balance between sporting ambition and administrative control at one of the world’s most iconic football clubs.
For Messi, the saga represents a missed opportunity to complete his storied career where it began. His move to Inter Miami, while financially lucrative, has removed him from the spotlight of European football. While he continues to perform at a high level in MLS, the question of what might have been lingers for both Messi and Barcelona fans.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
The revelations from Xavi are likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming Barcelona presidential elections, scheduled for March 15, 2026. The controversy surrounding Messi’s potential return has become a central issue in the campaign, with candidates vying to present themselves as the best choice to restore the club’s prestige and financial stability. The election outcome could determine the future direction of Barcelona, both on and off the pitch.
Beyond the election, Barcelona faces the ongoing challenge of rebuilding its squad and competing with Europe’s elite clubs. The club’s financial situation remains precarious, and the necessitate for astute financial management is paramount. The Messi saga serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges facing Barcelona as it strives to regain its position at the pinnacle of world football.
Barcelona will next face Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on April 13, 2026, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (21:00 CET / 15:00 ET). The tie is delicately poised after a 3-2 first-leg victory for PSG, and the outcome will have significant implications for both clubs’ season.
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