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Laporta Denies Xavi’s Claim He Blocked Messi’s 2023 Barcelona Return Ahead of Election

The clash has become an election flashpoint days before Barcelona members vote.

Overview

  • In a La Vanguardia interview, Xavi said Messi’s comeback was agreed in early 2023 with LaLiga’s approval and that talks advanced with Jorge Messi.
  • Laporta responded at a presidential debate, rejecting that account, saying he sent a contract and that Jorge Messi later indicated the player preferred Miami due to pressure.
  • LaLiga president Javier Tebas disputed Xavi’s version by stating the league never authorized a financial green light for Messi’s return in 2023.
  • Defending his coaching change, Laporta contrasted Xavi’s tenure with Hansi Flick’s current results and claimed Víctor Font is using Xavi to smear his campaign.
  • Xavi also alleged presidential advisor Alejandro Echevarría effectively runs the club and played a key role in his 2024 dismissal.