“I had to make a decision, and I believe I got it right. I let the results speak for themselves. We were able to stabilize the club’s economy, build a competitive team, and it was time for a generational shift. Leo was at the end of his career, and we had to build a new team,” the Barcelona president told EL PAÍS.

While Messi’s departure was heavily criticized by fans who blamed the president for the move, Laporta still secured re-election with 68.8% of the vote, maintaining his mandate despite the controversial choice regarding the club legend.

Despite the strained relationship between the two, Laporta made it clear that the door remains open for Messi. “Barca is his home. The future and immediate relationship will be whatever Leo and Barca want it to be. At some point, our interests will converge again,” he added.

Xavi blames Laporta for rejecting Messi’s return

While Laporta maintained that a renewal was financially impossible, former Barcelona manager and player Xavi suggested otherwise. According to Xavi, the Argentine could have donned the Blaugrana jersey again following his 2022 World Cup triumph, but Laporta reportedly blocked the move.

“Laporta told me directly that if Leo came back, he would make war on him, and that he could not allow that,” Xavi revealed during an interview with La Vanguardia. “Leo is not coming back to Barca because the president does not want it“.

Laporta claims Messi deserves a statue at Barcelona

Despite the friction, Laporta acknowledges that Messi is among the most significant players in Barcelona’s history and deserves a permanent tribute at the stadium, alongside icons Johan Cruyff and Laszlo Kubala. “He is a generational benchmark: Kubala, Cruyff, and Messi. He must have a statue and a testimonial match,” Laporta told EL PAÍS.

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.

Barcelona are facing a pivotal moment in their history. The club will elect a new president in March, with Joan Laporta seeking reelection in what promises to be a closely contested race.

One of his challengers is Xavier Vilajoana. After spending several years within the club’s structure, he recently spoke exclusively with World Soccer Talk, addressing key issues that now form the foundation of his campaign.

Xavier Vilajoana questions Joan Laporta’s management

Barcelona operates differently from many other global powerhouses. The club’s 141,390 members vote every six years to elect a president they believe can guide Barça toward long-term stability and success.

Vilajoana is one of the candidates in this year’s election. He has spent more than 20 years at the club, serving as a board member under Joan Laporta, Sandro Rosell, and Josep Maria Bartomeu. Now, he is seeking the presidency himself.

Although he has worked closely with Laporta in the past, Vilajoana has not shied away from criticism. One of the most controversial topics he addressed is the club’s ongoing financial struggles, which have limited Barcelona’s ability to make major signings in recent years.

“What this board (Laporta’s) has done in recent years is the following: they have not been able to apply the 1:1 rule since they took over, and they have accumulated losses of nearly €300 million while selling assets and bringing forward revenues worth €900 million. We are talking about a board that, in four years, would have lost €1 billion, which is the current value of the first-team squad.

“That is not opinion, those are official club figures. We are talking about stagnant ordinary revenues, with virtually no innovation in revenue streams. Everything was bet, at the time, on the exploitation of the Camp Nou. Barcelona is much more than that, or at least it should be. This board has been incapable, over all these years, of rethinking the model.”

Xavier Vilajoana claims Lionel Messi’s exit could have been avoided

On August 5, 2021, the football world was stunned when Barcelona confirmed Lionel Messi’s departure. The Argentine legend was not renewed due to financial constraints, but Vilajoana now argues that the situation could have been handled differently.

“Definitely, yes—Messi could have been renewed,” Vilajoana said. “The problem is that he was not renewed before June 30, 2021. From that point on, he became a new signing. That is a very important factor, because from there the 1+1 rule came into play in a different way. An attempt was made to renew him as a new signing. This was negligence on the part of the president (Joan Laporta) and the board of directors. Negligence.”

With Laporta now his direct rival in the election, Vilajoana has taken a firm stance. He suggested that Messi’s departure might have been avoided under different leadership and even implied that a return would be unlikely if Laporta remains president.

“Leo is Barça and Barça is Leo. I was lucky enough to coincide with him for five years, and I believe his image or name should not be used for electoral gain. That would be a major mistake. I know him very well. He is a mature and intelligent person.

“He will come back when he wants, and with any president—except the current one, who has already shown that he does not want him, and that if he were to come back under him, it would be at night. That must be very clear. I am very clear about it because I know him.”

La Masia and Lamine Yamal central to Vilajoana’s project

Vilajoana also emphasized the importance of La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy, which he considers the cornerstone of the club’s identity. He believes the academy’s prominence has diminished in recent years and has pledged to restore its central role if elected.

Regarding Lamine Yamal, Vilajoana acknowledged playing a part in the young star’s early development within the club. However, he avoided taking full credit, noting that Yamal’s talent was too evident for Barcelona to overlook.

“It has gone downhill. And we are seeing it. If La Masia ends up being the solution to everything, I always say it should not be the solution, it should be the priority. Always look at home first, and if pieces are missing or players need to be complemented, then look outside. In recent years, investment in La Masia, in player development, has been cut by nearly 40%.

“I believe it is the club’s responsibility not only to help players grow and protect them sportingly, but also personally and familially. At the time, Lamine was going through a complicated situation, as his parents were separating, which affects any child. We decided to break internal club rules and convince his parents to let him stay overnight at La Masia, to give him structure and closer personal follow-up because we believed he needed it as a child. In the end, time has proven us right.”

Does Barcelona’s future include Harry Kane?

One name that has been strongly linked to Barcelona this year is Harry Kane. The English striker is reportedly expected to leave Bayern Munich, with the Spanish giants potentially eyeing a move for him this summer.

Xavier Vilajoana has now confirmed that there have been talks with Kane’s representatives. The presidential candidate views the England captain as a marquee signing for his project, potentially positioning him as the long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski amid rumors surrounding the Polish forward’s possible departure.ç

“This ultimately has to be discussed, because it depends on the player’s willingness. When I mentioned Harry Kane, it was because we are looking at different profiles, and we believe he is a very interesting profile for Barcelona.

“From there, there have been approaches. We agree on the type of player that fits us, but there are others, in different positions, that we believe need strengthening after looking at the players coming through La Masia and analyzing the potential market.”

Now, a new connection between Messi and Barcelona has emerged — this time in a role closer to the presidency rather than as a player. According to Cadena Ser, this year is an election year at the club, and Messi reportedly is not ruling out participating in some capacity.

No definitive answer has been given, but reports suggest Messi has considered making a public gesture in connection with the elections. The Argentine icon has reportedly been contacted by people close to the Barcelona environment — though not by current club president Joan Laporta.

This potential involvement may stem from Messi’s desire to repair the fractured relationship with the club following his controversial departure. Seeing him once again tied to Barcelona — even if not as a player — would be a moment many fans would welcome with open arms.

Messi’s bitter ending with Barcelona

The end of Lionel Messi’s era at Barcelona was far from the fairy-tale finish many expected. The relationship between the club and its greatest player began to deteriorate after the disastrous 2019-20 season, which ended with the humiliating 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The result, combined with growing dissatisfaction with the club’s leadership, led Messi to send the now-famous burofax — an official letter requesting to leave the club.

Despite the drama, Messi stayed for one more season (2020-21), but questions about his future never went away. The two sides had agreed on the terms of a new contract, even with Messi accepting a significant pay cut. However, Barcelona’s severe financial problems and La Liga’s strict registration rules made it impossible for the club to finalize his new deal, effectively sealing his exit.

The farewell was heartbreaking. At an emotional press conference in August 2021, a tearful Messi announced he was leaving the club of his life. His departure was not driven by sporting reasons, but by the economic realities that prevented him from retiring at the club where he became a legend.

For Barcelona fans, seeing Messi back at the club in any capacity would represent more than nostalgia — it would be a step toward healing one of the most painful chapters in the club’s modern history.

“There were several debatable incidents in the match, but amongst all of them there is one that is crucial and can change the result of the game,” Laporta said on Monday, as quoted by ESPN. “I am referring to the ‘phantom goal’ by Lamine Yamal. As a club, we want to be sure about what happened. It is for that reason we will make an immediate request for a comprehensive collection of footage and audio from the incident.“

With the score 1-1 in the first half, Yamal’s effort appeared to cross the line before Andriy Lunin cleared the ball away. But unlike the Premier League, LaLiga doesn’t have goal-line technology, which is why VAR had to intervene and determined the ball didn’t go in.

In his statement, Laporta warned Barcelona will ask for the match to be replayed if it is found that VAR made a mistake in not awarding the goal. Madrid went on to win 3-2 thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Jude Bellingham, moving 11 points clear of the Cules atop the LaLiga standings with six rounds to go.

“If once this documentation has been analyzed, the club understands that an error was made in the revision of the incident, we will take all available measures to reverse the situation, without discounting, obviously, any necessary legal action,” Laporta said. “If it is confirmed that it was a legal goal, we will move ahead and request that the game be replayed, just as has happened in another game in Europe due to a VAR error.”

The game set to be ‘replayed’ due to VAR error mentioned by Laporta

Earlier this year, a Jupiler Pro League match between Anderlecht and Genk in Belgium was set to be replayed after it was found a VAR mistake led to a mistake that changed the course of the game.

However, what Laporta overlooked is that the game was ultimately not replayed as a Belgian Court of Arbitration for Sport ended up overturning the decision. Besides, that episode was related to encroachment before a penalty kick and not a phantom goal.

What’s next for Real Madrid, Barcelona

While Laporta and Barcelona wait for the verdict on whether Yamal’s effort crossed the line or not, the LaLiga season continues and Real Madrid right now are enjoying yet another Clasico triumph.

With 81 points in 32 matches, Los Blancos are just a few steps away from clinching the league title. Reigning champs Barcelona are 11 points shy from the top, which is why their crown looks in jeopardy.

Real Madrid’s next LaLiga games

• Real Sociedad (away) – Fri, Apr. 26
• Cadiz (home) – Sat, May 4
• Granada (a) – May 12 TBD
• Alaves (h) – May 15 TBD
• Villarreal (a) – May 19 TBD
• Betis (h) – May 26 TBD

Barcelona’s next LaLiga games

• Valencia (h) – Mon, Apr. 29
• Girona (a) – Sat, May 4
• Real Sociedad (h) – May 12 TBD
• Almeria (a) – May 15 TBD
• Rayo Vallecano (h) – May 19 TBD
• Sevilla (a) – May 26 TBD

Barcelona have done a series of manoeuvres since Laporta won the presidential elections in 2021 aiming to increase revenue, as the new chairman had to battle with a financial crisis inherited from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s presidency. The club, for instance, struck a deal with Spotify, who apart from becoming the main sponsor also got the naming rights for the Camp Nou.

“We are looking into it,” Laporta said when asked if Barcelona will terminate their contract with Nike. “We’ve been working together for just over 20 years, but at the moment it’s difficult. Nike has not faced up to this. When we were told that competitors would pay us a lot more, they made an effort and we are grateful for that. But it’s not enough.“

Laporta admitted that staying with Nike is still an option, but also mentioned two alternatives for Barcelona: one is to accept an offer from another supplier, while the other is the club to start producing its own uniforms for the first team.

“There are three options: continue with Nike, take what the market offers us. And the third option would be to do it ourselves. We already make our own clothing and we are not ruling out this option, even if there are safer options that the market offers us.“

Puma reportedly in talks with Barcelona

According to Sport, Puma is closing in on an agreement to become Barcelona’s kit supplier starting next season. The report claims the German brand would significantly improve what the Catalan side currently makes with Nike.

While the Blaugrana’s current deal reportedly sees them make a minimum of $114.75 million (€105 million) per year with the possibility of reaching $169 million (€155 million) with add-ons; the Puma deal would let Barça make $124.5 million (€115 million) a season with the possibility of rising to to $216 million.

Laporta’s comments are a testament to Barcelona’s desire to land a bigger contract, so a breakup with Nike is a real possibility. Only time will tell which route the club ultimately takes.

When speaking to Catalan radio RAC 1, the Barcelona executive did not hold back on English clubs who have “pulled out” of the European Super League, Laporta stated he “doesn’t give a f—” if Premier League sides decide to play in the league or not.

Laporta also stated that there are over a dozen clubs that support the European Super League and went on to name them, including all but one LaLiga team.

Joan Laporta lists clubs that support European Super League

Laporta sounded off that, “Inter, Milan, Napoli, Roma, Olympique Marseille, Benfica, Porto, Sporting, Ajax, Feyenoord, PSV, Anderlecht, Club Brugge and all Spanish clubs except Atlético Madrid” want the ESL to get off the ground.

The European Super League announced a new 64 team competition back in December, the announcement was more of a theory than actual announcement since besides Barcelona and Real Madrid no other club is truly among the participants of the league or made formal announcements.

In the last year UEFA has done everything possible, including working with governments and leagues to prevent the creation of the Super League, while Bundesliga sides have been strict that they will not take part at all in the ESL.

“You’re lying… Once again...” Messi wrote on Instagram. The 36-year-old reacted to a tweet by Jijantes FC which shared Romero’s information. “Joan Laporta and Leo Messi spoke at the end of the Ballon d’Or gala. The president thanked Leo for his words during the speech and they said to find the best possible date for his tribute,” the post on X (Twitter) read.

Romero was already in the eye of the storm during the summer for claiming that Jorge Messi (Leo’s father) called LaLiga to discuss his son’s potential return to Barcelona. Messi firmly denied that rumor by then during an interview with Mundo Deportivo. This time, Leo used his personal account to deny the report.

Romero quickly reacted to Messi’s Instagram story, apologizing for this situation. “Apologies. I have been fooled again with something related to Leo. I’m not learning. I’m sorry. I accept everything you tell me today and I promise that we will work to ensure that it does not happen again. Apologies,” he wrote on X.

Messi expected to have tribute at Barcelona

Though Messi denied this particular conversation with Laporta, Barcelona are expected to pay tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The expectation is that they can make it happen in 2024, when Camp Nou is already open to the public.

Barca’s stadium is currently undergoing renovation to increase its capacity, which is why Xavi Hernandez’s team is playing at the Olympic Park in Montjuic. The club reportedly wants to make the farewell as soon as possible, which is why it wouldn’t wait until 2026.

“I will definitely return to Barça in some way or another, but not as a coach. I will be linked to the club for sure. My house is in Barcelona and I will be living there,” Messi said after the 2023 Ballon d’Or gala.

He also added that he still follows the club and continues to foot for the team. Leo also praised the current Barcelona roster, saying it has a good combination of veteran and young talent.

Messi not leaving Miami anytime soon

The Argentine superstar is under contract with Inter Miami through the 2025 MLS season. Therefore, it wouldn’t be until 2026 that he plays for another team. Even so, Messi seems to be comfortable in South Florida, so his time in the US could be even longer.

What Leo suggested at the Ballon d’Or gala is that he will inevitably return to Barcelona at some point, but maybe not as a player. Either way, he will at least have a deserved farewell in front of the fans as he couldn’t properly say goodbye in 2021.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup ended with Spain’s victory over England to secure the title. Everything was joyous among the La Roja squad, but then a shocking moment occurred during the awarding of medals.

Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, unexpectedly kissed midfielder Jennifer Hermoso after congratulating her. This has brought a lot of attention to Spanish football, and everyone is asking for a punishment against him.

Joan Laporta addresses Luis Rubiales’ actions with Jennifer Hermoso

Spain’s victory in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was overshadowed by an off-the-field situation. Luis Rubiales unexpectedly kissed Jennifer Hermoso during the awarding of medals, which surprised everybody.

During a press conference, Rubiales said that Hermoso agreed to the kiss. However, the player denied his statement, asking for an immediate resignation of the president from his charge. He refused to leave the RSFF, raising more controversy around the matter.

Several figures in the soccer community stepped up to defend Hermoso. Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, slammed Rubiales over his actions. He also asked for his immediate resignation.

“I reiterate that Rubiales’ behavior has been unacceptable, improper and shameful,” Laporta said on Sunday. “We give unconditional support to the players. Jenni we are with you.

“We thought that Rubiales was going to resign [on Friday], that he had no other choice. As FC Barcelona we fully respect FIFA’s decision to provisionally disable him. Let it be clear that in an energetic, forceful way [that in] any case of sexist violence, abuse and harassment, we give support to the victims.”

Nevertheless, FIFA has now intervened in this issue. On Saturday, soccer’s world governing body decided to provisionally disable Rubiales from ‘all football-related activities,’ but it is expected that he defends himself and responds to it soon.

Laporta was adamant that there is “no sporting reason” to sign with a league like Saudi Arabia. “When a player, and with all respect, prefers to go to Saudi Arabia, basically there are no sporting reasons. You know, there are other reasons that are the priority. And the football must be the priority – the sporting reasons must be the priority.”

Laporta was heavily criticized for not being able to resign Lionel Messi to Barcelona in the summer, Messi eventually signed with Major League Soccer, a destination that Laporta stated was “less pressure” for the Argentine.

Saudi Pro League top stars

Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Riyad Mahrez are the latest players to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané in the Saudi Pro League.

The new season is set to kick off on August 11th and will be one of 34 weeks that will determine the Saudi Pro League champion. The Public Investment Fund acquired a 75% stake in Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr and is responsible for the flood of major acquisitions so the league can have more global appeal.

Therefore, the summer transfer window will be crucial. Bringing back Lionel Messi is no longer a possibility, but the board still have plenty of time to figure out how to pull off other signings.

Besides, there are some holes to fill in. With Sergio Busquets gone, many wonder how Barça are going to replace him. However, Laporta warned not to have ‘unrealistic’ expectations, suggesting Xavi already knows he has to adapt to this situation.

Joan Laporta warns Xavi to use academy players

“Xavi understands our situation. He knows that some options are unrealistic and it would be wrong to sign one of them. It would cut the progression of Marc Casadó, Pau Prim, Gerard Hernández and Marc Bernal. First we have to look at what we have,” Laporta said, via BarçaTimes.

Barcelona’s financial situation is still far from great, even if they managed to solve many of their problems. LaLiga has approved a viability plan that allows Barça to land new players but not at any cost.

Ilkay Gundogan has already agreed to join Xavi’s squad after years under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. In the next few weeks, we’ll get to know which other players join the Catalan club.