Overview
- - Xavi says a 2023 deal to re-sign Lionel Messi was effectively agreed and alleges Joan Laporta blocked it, telling him Messi would "wage war" if he returned.
- - Laporta disputes that version, saying he sent a contract to Jorge Messi and that the player opted for Inter Miami because of the pressure of returning to Barcelona.
- - LaLiga president Javier Tebas publicly states the league never authorized or gave any approval for Messi to rejoin Barcelona in 2023.
- - Laporta defends advisor Alejandro Echevarría’s influence and says he does not fear Messi or his father speaking publicly about the talks.
- - The feud follows Xavi’s endorsement of rival candidate Víctor Font and has become a focal point in campaign debates five days before members vote.