Barcelona, Spain – In a bombshell interview with La Vanguardia, former FC Barcelona manager and club legend Xavi Hernández leveled scathing accusations against current president Joan Laporta and his close advisor, Alejandro Echevarría. The outspoken critique, timed just one 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 club decisions.
Xavi, who was dismissed as manager in 2024, claims he felt compelled to speak out after a period of silence. “I’m liberated to tell the truth,” he stated, setting the stage for a series of revelations that are sure to reverberate throughout the Catalan club and the wider football world.
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. “Laporta isn’t telling the truth,” Xavi declared. “He was about to come back with me as coach. It was a done deal. January 2023. I contacted him after winning the World Cup and he told me he was excited to return, and I saw it.”
According to Xavi, discussions continued through March 2023, with La Liga reportedly giving the green light to the transfer. However, Laporta ultimately pulled the plug. “He told me directly that if Messi returned, he would start a war with him and couldn’t allow it,” Xavi revealed. “I tried to speak with Leo, but he wouldn’t answer the phone. I spoke with his father and told him I didn’t understand anything, and he said, ‘Talk to the president.’” Xavi described the situation as a missed opportunity for a “last dance,” referencing Michael Jordan’s final championship run with the Chicago Bulls.
Internal Power Dynamics and Echevarría’s Influence
Beyond the Messi saga, Xavi painted a picture of a Barcelona fractured by internal power struggles, with Alejandro Echevarría operating as a shadow figure behind the scenes. He alleges that Echevarría, a close confidant of Laporta, effectively controls the club’s decision-making process. “That’s how this Barcelona works, it’s practically led by Alejandro Echevarría,” Xavi stated.
Xavi claims his own dismissal as manager was directly influenced by Echevarría, stating that Laporta “failed” him by making the decision without transparency. “He dispensed with me as a coach without telling me the truth, conditioned by a person who I believe is above the president – that is Alejandro Echevarría. He is the one who dispensed with me as coach.”
Disagreements Over Tactics and Transfers
The interview likewise shed light on disagreements between Xavi and the club’s leadership regarding transfer policy and tactical direction. Xavi revealed he requested the signing of Zubimendi but was told it was not financially feasible. He also lamented the departures of Jordi Cruyff and Oscar Alemany, both of whom he believes were undervalued by the club. “I should have left then too,” he said, adding that he “lost control of the situation.”
Flick’s Arrival and a Disclosed Apology
Xavi also discussed the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Hansi Flick as his replacement. He revealed that Flick even apologized for initially denying rumors of his impending arrival, explaining that he was instructed by the club to remain silent. “Flick came to apologize since two weeks before I was sacked, I asked him if the rumors were true and he said no. The club told him not to say anything, and that’s why he came to my house to apologize,” Xavi explained. He added that the club had already decided to move on from him, but no one communicated this directly.
A Final Break and No Return to the Camp Nou
Xavi was unequivocal in stating that he has no plans to return to Barcelona in any capacity. “I’m not going back to Barça ever. I’ve already had my time as a player and a coach. Now I just seek to tell the truth,” he said. He reiterated his belief that Messi’s absence was a direct result of Laporta’s decision, dismissing claims that Messi’s father demanded more money or that La Liga blocked the transfer.
Xavi’s accusations come at a critical juncture for Barcelona, as the club prepares to elect a new president. The revelations are likely to fuel debate among supporters and could significantly impact the outcome of the election. The former manager insists his motivation is not driven by resentment, but by a desire for transparency and positive change within the club. “I’m not speaking from a place of bitterness, I just want people to know that the club needs a change from the top down. Barça isn’t working well, I’ve lived it firsthand, and I want people to know the truth.”
Barcelona has not yet responded to Xavi’s allegations as of this reporting. The club’s presidential election is scheduled for next week, and the outcome could determine the future direction of one of football’s most storied institutions.
Next Up: Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid on March 17th in a crucial La Liga match that could have significant implications for the title race. The match will be played at the Cívitas Metropolitano in Madrid, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET).
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