Barcelona, Spain – As Barcelona prepares for a pivotal presidential election on Sunday, former manager Xavi Hernández has publicly accused incumbent Joan Laporta of deliberately preventing Lionel Messi’s return to the club in 2023. The stunning allegations, made in an interview with La Vanguardia, have thrown another wrench into an already contentious election cycle, with Xavi now openly supporting Laporta’s rival, Victor Font.
The timing of Xavi’s intervention is significant. With the election just days away, his endorsement of Font and the explosive claims regarding Messi are clearly intended to sway Barcelona members. The situation underscores the deep divisions within the club and the lingering pain surrounding Messi’s departure and failed attempt at a comeback.
Messi’s Potential Return Vetoed, Claims Xavi
Xavi alleges that a deal to bring Messi back to the Camp Nou was “practically finalized” in early 2023, following the Argentine superstar’s World Cup triumph with Argentina in Qatar. According to Xavi, Messi expressed a strong desire to rejoin Barcelona, envisioning a “last dance” similar to Michael Jordan’s return to the NBA. He even discussed the possibility with Messi’s father, Jorge.
“We talked until March and I told him, ‘Okay, when you grant me the OK, I’ll tell the president because I see it as a good move from a footballing perspective,’” Xavi stated, as reported by Goal.com. Yet, Xavi claims that Laporta ultimately sabotaged the agreement despite La Liga’s approval of the financial arrangements. “The president isn’t telling the truth there either. Leo was signed…but it was the president who threw everything out.”
The former Barcelona captain and manager alleges that Laporta explicitly told him he would “wage war” against Messi if he returned, believing the Argentine’s presence would undermine his authority. “Laporta told me, and I quote, that if Leo came back, he was going to wage war against him and that he couldn’t allow it,” Xavi revealed. This alleged stance reportedly led Messi to cease communication with Xavi, as he was informed the move was impossible.
Xavi’s Support for Victor Font
Xavi’s public backing of Victor Font is not a modern development, but his recent statements amplify the significance of his support. He was present at Font’s campaign launch event at Fira de Barcelona, a move that was widely discussed, as reported by Barca Universal. The endorsement signals a clear rejection of Laporta’s leadership and a belief that Font offers a more viable path forward for the club.
The endorsement comes as Laporta’s re-election campaign faces increasing scrutiny. Recent campaigns by rival candidates, including Marc Ciria, have highlighted Laporta’s strained relationship with Messi, even erecting banners featuring the Argentine superstar, a pointed critique of the current president’s handling of the situation. Laporta recently addressed the issues surrounding Messi’s departure in 2021, but his explanation appears to have done little to quell the discontent.
Allegations Against Alejandro Echevarría
Beyond the Messi saga, Xavi also leveled accusations against Alejandro Echevarría, Laporta’s brother-in-law, alleging that he exerted undue influence over the club’s decisions, including Xavi’s own dismissal as manager in May 2024. Xavi claims he was sacked without a truthful explanation, and that Echevarría was the driving force behind the decision. “Prescinde de mí como entrenador sin decirme la verdad, condicionado por una persona que creo que está por encima del presidente que es Alejandro Echevarría,” Xavi stated, according to reports. Echevarría previously held a position within the club during Laporta’s first term as president and has reportedly been involved in player negotiations during his second stint.
The allegations against Echevarría add another layer of complexity to the election, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the Barcelona hierarchy. Font’s campaign has reportedly been utilizing Echevarría’s name as a focal point in their efforts to unseat Laporta.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
Barcelona members will cast their votes on Sunday, March 16, 2026, to determine the club’s next president. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future of the club, particularly regarding its financial stability, sporting direction, and relationship with its most iconic player, Lionel Messi. The election is expected to be closely contested, with Laporta and Font emerging as the frontrunners. The impact of Xavi’s statements and endorsement remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly injected a new level of drama into the final days of the campaign.
Following the election, the new president will face the immediate challenge of addressing Barcelona’s financial difficulties and rebuilding a competitive squad. The club’s performance in La Liga and the Champions League will be closely scrutinized, and the president will be under pressure to deliver results. Barcelona’s next La Liga match is scheduled for March 22, 2026, against Atlético Madrid at the Cívitas Metropolitano stadium in Madrid (kick-off at 21:00 CET / 15:00 ET).
What do you think of Xavi’s accusations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
