Xavi Breaks Silence: “Laporta Blocked Messi’s Return and Sabotaged Our Relationship”
In an explosive exclusive with La Vanguardia, Barcelona legend and former manager Xavi Hernández has unleashed a wave of shocking revelations regarding the failed return of Lionel Messi to the Catalan club. Contrary to the long-standing narrative of financial constraints, Xavi claims the deal was personally vetoed by President Joan Laporta.
The President is not telling the truth,” Xavi stated firmly, just a week before the upcoming Barcelona elections. “Lionel Messi was ready to join us. We had been in constant communication from January 2023, right after his World Cup triumph, until March. He was excited, and I saw him as the perfect fit for the team’s sporting project.
The “Last Dance” That Never Happened
Xavi detailed how the negotiations reached an advanced stage, with La Liga reportedly giving the “green light” for the move. The plan was to create a “Last Dance” atmosphere, similar to Michael Jordan’s iconic final season with the Chicago Bulls, as the club moved to the Montjuïc stadium.
Laporta literally told me that if Messi returned, he would start a war against him,” Xavi revealed. “Suddenly, Leo stopped answering my calls because he was told from the other side that the deal was impossible. When I confronted his father, Jorge, he simply told me to speak with the President.
A Relationship Sabotaged
One of the most emotional parts of the interview focused on how these backroom dealings fractured the bond between the two legends. Xavi admitted that for a period, Messi believed his former teammate was part of the “web of lies” preventing his return.
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On the Sabotage: “They put us against each other. It took time before I could speak to Leo again because he thought I was part of the scheme.”
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On the Current Status: “Our relationship is good now. He knows the truth. It’s a shame because I still believe he could have helped us with goals and assists; he’s even going to play in the 2026 World Cup!”
Power Dynamics at the Camp Nou
Xavi dismissed claims that the move failed due to La Liga’s salary cap or Jorge Messi’s financial demands. Instead, he pointed to a struggle for internal power. “The President and his circle said no. They feared Messi’s influence and authority within the club might undermine their own power.
When asked if he discusses the upcoming elections with the Inter Miami star, Xavi remained cryptic: “Those are private conversations. Given Leo’s massive influence, I prefer not to say anything… but I think you all know what he is thinking.”
