Messi's Barcelona Return Blocked by Laporta? Xavi and Alemany Call Bluff as Drama Explodes
Xavi and Mateu Alemany have backed claims that Joan Laporta scuppered Lionel Messi's 2023 Barcelona return over power fears, despite La Liga approval. Laporta hits back, blaming resentment and election rivals, with Javier Tebas supporting his version. Messi confirmed he wanted back but baulked at financial uncertainty.
The Messi-to-Barça Soap Opera That Keeps on Giving
Imagine sinking a pint, chatting footy with your mates, and suddenly the tale of Lionel Messi's near-miss return to Barcelona blows up again. It's 2023 all over, but with Xavi and ex-director Mateu Alemany tag-teaming against president Joan Laporta. Accusations flying thicker than a La Liga midfield scrap – and it's all resurfacing ahead of an election. Buckle up.
Xavi Lets Rip: 'Laporta Torpedoed the Deal'
Xavi, the club legend turned gaffer (before getting the boot in 2024), dropped a grenade on Movistar+. He reckoned Messi's switch back from PSG was all but sorted – La Liga green light included – until Laporta panicked. The prez allegedly saw Leo as a threat, worried the GOAT would muscle in on his turf and spark a power tussle.
'Leo's not coming 'cause the president doesn't want him,' Xavi fumed. No La Liga block, no dad Jorge Messi haggling for extra dosh – just Laporta's crew whispering 'we can't afford the power shift.' Then Alemany, Barça's ex-football chief (now at Atlético Madrid), backed him up: 'Xavi's spot on, they said we'd got the nod.' Ouch.
Laporta Swings Back: Resentment, Rivals, and Tebas to the Rescue
Laporta, eyeing re-election, wasn't having it. He fired back sharpish, pinning Xavi's outburst on rival candidate Víctor Font pulling strings. 'No Messi agreement in place,' he insisted on Onze de Esport 3. 'Jorge went quiet, then picked Inter Miami.'
With Alemany piling on, Laporta smelled a rat: 'Resentment brews untruths. Mateu's at Atlético now – clever lad destabilising a rival.' He even dragged in La Liga boss Javier Tebas, who chimed in via RTVE: no contact from Barça. Laporta doubled down, calling Xavi's words proof they were right to sack him – after all, Hansi Flick turned the same squad into winners.
It's proper Barça politicking, innit? Election days away, and suddenly everyone's airing laundry. Laporta's still odds-on favourite, but this icon-vs-prez row's a right headache.
Messi's Take: 'I Wanted Home, But Not the Hassle'
Don't forget Messi himself. In a 2023 natter with Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, he spilled: dead keen on Barça, but scarred from his 2021 exit under Laporta. 'Heard La Liga okayed it, but then sales, wage cuts? Nah, not reliving that limbo. Wanted to decide for me and the family.'
Other chats? Same vibe: 'Fancied returning, but impossible.' Tracks Xavi and Alemany's yarn perfectly – finances the smokescreen, not the real blocker.
This lot's a masterclass in Barça's backstage bedlam. Messi in pink at Inter Miami, Xavi stewing post-sack, Laporta fighting for his throne. Pub debate fuel for weeks: hero or villain? Pour another round and pick your side.