Xavi Reveals Messi Had Agreed To Return To Barcelona, But Laporta Stopped The Deal

According to Ireporter Online, former Barcelona player and manager Xavi Hernández has revealed that Lionel Messi was on the verge of returning to the club following the 2022 World Cup, but the move was ultimately halted by club president Joan Laporta. Xavi made the disclosure during an interview with a Spanish media outlet, asserting that the full story of Messi’s potential return to Camp Nou has not yet been told.

The former Barcelona coach explained that discussions had advanced significantly and that Messi had personally expressed his desire to return to the club where he forged his legendary career. Initial contacts between the club and the Argentine forward reportedly began in January 2023, and Messi was described as enthusiastic about wearing the Blaugrana jersey again.

Xavi disclosed that in March 2023, Messi personally reached out to him regarding the move and offered to speak directly with Laporta to finalize the deal. Negotiations were also ongoing between Laporta and Jorge Messi, the player’s father and agent, to finalize contractual details. The process even received approval from LaLiga, as Barcelona’s financial situation was gradually improving following the crisis left by former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Despite the progress, Xavi revealed that Laporta ultimately canceled the deal. He emphasized that the decision was unrelated to Messi’s willingness or financial demands, noting that the Argentine legend had not requested increased wages or special terms. Xavi suggested that concerns within the president’s inner circle influenced the decision, with some fearing Messi’s influence could disrupt the dressing room and complicate the club’s sporting project.

Since Messi’s emotional departure from Barcelona in 2021, relations between the club and the forward have reportedly deteriorated. Messi had left amid financial constraints that prevented the renewal of his contract, ending an era that saw him become one of football’s all-time greats at Camp Nou.