Messi's Shadow Looms Large: Xavi Torches Laporta Over Barca's Epic Failed Comeback
Barcelona's presidential election is overshadowed by the 2023 Messi return fiasco, with Joan Laporta blaming finances and La Liga, while Xavi accuses him of sabotaging it for control. Backing rival Víctor Font, Xavi claims a deal was done, as reported by Football Espana and Sam Marsden at ESPN Spain. With polls on March 15, Messi's influence lingers without his endorsement.
Messi's Ghost Still Rattles Camp Nou
Picture this: Lionel Messi, the bloke who defined Barcelona for two decades, hasn't kicked a ball at Camp Nou since 2021. His sneaky midnight visit during the stadium rebuild was the closest we've got. Yet, here he is, centre stage in the club's presidential bunfight, without uttering a word.
The elections hit on March 15, with Joan Laporta the frontrunner against Víctor Font. Messi's no-show endorsement keeps everyone guessing, but his 2023 near-miss return is the elephant in the room. As reported by Football Espana at OneFootball and Sam Marsden at ESPN Spain, it's a tale of broken promises, finger-pointing, and Xavi dropping truth bombs.
Laporta's Side: Blame the Money Men
Laporta, who was in the hot seat when Messi tearfully left for PSG on a free, swears he tried to bring him back. Post-World Cup glory, Messi's dad Jorge rocked up in March 2023 with a contract ready. But by May, it was off – Jorge reckoned the pressure was too much, preferring sunny Miami instead.
Messi himself chimed in back then: finances were the killer. No way was he signing up for more player sales or wage cuts after the 2021 heartbreak. Laporta points the finger at La Liga's purse-string rules, detailed in his book This is How We Saved Barça. Fair play, or convenient cover?
Xavi's Nuclear Takedown: 'Leo Was Signed!'
Enter Xavi Hernández, Barca legend turned ex-manager, now backing Font. In a blistering La Vanguardia interview, he called bollocks on Laporta. "Leo was signed," Xavi roared. Chats started in January 2023; by March, it was a done deal football-wise.
They had La Liga's nod, plans for a Michael Jordan-style last dance at Montjuïc. But Xavi claims Laporta scuppered it, fearing Messi's aura would steal his thunder. "The president doesn't want him," Xavi fumed. "Not La Liga, not Jorge asking for more dosh – pure power play."
Font's dangling carrots too: bin Deco as sporting director (bye-bye Hansi Flick?), maybe turn Barca into a plc. Xavi's all in: "Messi would still boss Europe, bang in goals, dish assists. What a shame – his dream, my dream, blocked by the suits."
Laporta Bites Back, Elections Heat Up
Xavi's rant dropped right before the big debate. Laporta, stung, hit back: "It hurt, but it reminds me of Flick." He dodged the Messi flak, instead mocking Xavi's gripes over his own sacking – blaming shadowy figures like ex-brother-in-law Alejandro Echeverría, not him.
This scrap could reshape Barca. Laporta's the safe bet, but Xavi's endorsement of Font stirs the pot. Messi's silence? Priceless. With the vote days away, will the GOAT's ghost tip the scales? One thing's sure: Camp Nou drama never sleeps.
Font's vague Messi reunion tease adds spice. At 37, he's MLS king with Inter Miami, but Xavi insists he'd light up Europe again. Imagine that – Pulled pork or not, Leo's pull on Barca hearts is unbreakable.
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