Overview
- Xavi, speaking on Romario’s YouTube channel on Sunday, said president Joan Laporta blocked a 2023 plan to re-sign Lionel Messi after five months of talks.
- He said planned returns for Neymar and Pedro collapsed because Barcelona could not meet costs under LaLiga salary limits, a reflection of the club’s strained finances.
- Reflecting on his 2024 exit, he said a personal dispute inside the club stopped an agreement that would have kept him as coach.
- He praised 18-year-old Lamine Yamal as a rare talent already among the best players in the world.
- He credited the youth core he promoted with laying the base for Hansi Flick’s current team, which he said is progressing well.