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Xavi Says Laporta Blocked Messi’s 2023 Barcelona Return After ‘LaLiga Green Light’

The former coach’s accusation injects fresh volatility into Barcelona’s presidential race days before the vote.

Overview

  • Xavi claims Lionel Messi had a near-agreement to rejoin Barcelona in early 2023 and says LaLiga had approved the move.
  • He alleges president Joan Laporta personally scrapped the plan, telling him Messi would "wage war" if he returned.
  • Xavi says Messi stopped returning his calls after being told the move was off, and the forward later signed for Inter Miami.
  • The ex-manager publicly backs presidential challenger Víctor Font and accuses advisor Alejandro Echevarría of wielding decisive power at the club.
  • Xavi says Laporta "failed" him in his 2024 exit and adds he does not expect to return to Barcelona in any role.