Laporta blocked Messi’s return to Barcelona in 2023
Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has revealed that club president Joan Laporta blocked Lionel Messi’s return in 2023, despite the coach spending five months securing the Argentine's agreement. Xavi noted that financial difficulties also thwarted potential moves for other former stars like Neymar and Pedro, highlighting the institutional obstacles that hindered his squad planning. Additionally, the former manager praised young talent Lamine Yamal as a "chosen genius" while suggesting that his own departure was driven by internal club friction rather than sporting performance.
Former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has said that the club’s management prevented Lionel Messi from returning to the team. According to the coach, all the arrangements for the Argentine star’s transfer were ready in 2023. Goal.com reports.
Xavi said he held talks with Messi for five months and that the player agreed to return to Barcelona. However, in the final stage, club president Joan Laporta did not allow the transfer.
Plans to bring back former players such as Neymar and Pedro also fell through because of financial problems.
The former coach also spoke about Messi’s enthusiasm in training and their relationship. Xavi said he has known Messi since he was 16 and that a friendship based on trust has always remained between them.
Xavi also spoke highly of the current young star Lamine Yamal. He called the teenage footballer a “chosen genius” and said his future depends only on his ambition and mental state.
Xavi hinted that his departure was caused not by sporting results, but by disagreements inside the club. Even so, he said he supports the project led by Hansi Flick and stressed that a solid foundation has been laid for the next 10 years.
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