One of the things most desired by Barcelona fans is at least one more return of Lionel Messi to the club where he spent most of his career. However, there was a moment when that possibility appeared real after the 2022 World Cup. At a time when no major movement was expected within Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez decided to “tell his truth.”
In an interview with La Vanguardia, the former Barcelona coach revealed previously unknown details about what could have been the most anticipated return in the club’s history, but Joan Laporta had other plans.
“Lionel Messi back to Barcelona was a done deal. In January 2023, after winning the World Cup, we got in touch and he told me he was excited about returning, and I saw it happening,” said Xavi, challenging the official narrative that the return was impossible because of salary issues or league restrictions.
According to the coach, the plan was to create a cinematic end to Messi’s career. “We spent five months talking with Leo, it was done, we were going to do a last dance like Jordan, everything was prepared.” Xavi insisted that, from a soccer perspective, Messi’s impact remained unquestionable, even with the 2026 World Cup in mind.
Why did his arrival ultimately not happen?
The most significant revelation from the interview pointed directly to the presidential box. Xavi stated that despite having the “green light from LaLiga” and advanced negotiations with Jorge Messi, it was Joan Laporta who stopped the operation out of concern about losing influence within the institution.
“Laporta told me directly that if Leo came back he would make war on him, and that he could not allow that,” Xavi said. The coach added that the refusal was not financial. “Leo is not coming to Barca because the president does not want it, it is the president and his people who say no, that Messi would manage that power badly for him.”
It represented a significant turning point, and Xavi ultimately stated that Messi would not return to Barcelona because Laporta does not want that. Essentially, the narrative that LaLiga or Jorge Messi were demanding money was not accurate, and these statements could prove crucial for Barcelona.
It is also important to remember that Barcelona are currently in the process of presidential elections, where campaigns had already begun. Laporta had used the possibility of a Messi return, even in the form of an exhibition match, as part of that discussion, but these new statements could change the overall outlook. The votes are scheduled for March 15.