Shocking New Details Emerge in Lionel Messi's Dramatic Barcelona Comeback That Never Was
The enigma behind Lionel Messi's failure to rejoin Barcelona in 2023 has intensified following Xavi's allegations that Joan Laporta sabotaged an otherwise finalized deal, claims now backed by a former high-ranking official. Facing accusations of dishonesty, Laporta maintains his critics are spreading falsehoods.
Xavi revealed earlier this week that Messi's return to Barcelona from Paris Saint-Germain was set to proceed. However, Laporta allegedly "destroyed everything" due to feeling threatened and fearing Messi would engage in a "power battle" against the president.
"Leo isn't returning because the president refuses him, not due to La Liga restrictions or Jorge Messi demanding higher compensation—that's false. It's the president and his associates telling him no, claiming financial constraints while asserting complete authority and fearing Messi would abuse that influence."
During a Movistar+ interview this week, Mateu Alemany offered his perspective: "Xavi speaks truthfully, they informed us they possessed [La Liga's consent]." Alemany served as Barcelona's sporting director then, subsequently departing for Atlético Madrid when Deco assumed the role.
Laporta Strikes Back, Cites Bitterness, Competition
Laporta Strikes Back, Cites Bitterness, Competition
Responding to Xavi's bombshell interview, Laporta immediately countered, alleging the club icon and former coach dismissed in 2024 has been "manipulated" by presidential opponent Víctor Font.
Laporta, whose bond with Messi remains notably tense, presents an alternative narrative, maintaining that the player and his father Jorge hadn't yet committed to Barcelona's return while the club submitted a "feasibility proposal" to La Liga for the transfer.
"His claims are false. What we lacked was Messi's confirmation. Jorge remained silent, then notified us of the decision to join Inter Miami."
Confronted with Alemany's seeming validation of Xavi's account, Laporta seized another chance to justify himself on Onze de Esport 3. Though favored for the approaching presidential race, this escalating conflict with Barcelona legends proves problematic.
"I maintained positive relations [with Alemany], but he understands his motivations for these declarations. When bitterness combines, truth becomes distorted," Laporta stated.
"La Liga never provided definitive approval. We believed we could persuade them. Xavi spoke and I observe that [Font] has exploited him and Mateu as well. Don't be fooled, I enjoyed excellent relations with [La Liga president Javier] Tebas. Mateu now works for Atlético and being clever, likely seeks to undermine a direct competitor like Barça."
Tebas has intervened supporting Laporta, telling RTVE that Barcelona never approached the league.
Laporta added: "Xavi's perspective is heavily influenced by particular bitterness and from that emotion, honesty disappears. Everyone may speak freely but Xavi's remarks confirm we made the right choice [dismissing him]—with virtually identical players Xavi failed while [Hansi] Flick succeeded."
Messi: I Desired to Return
Messi: I Desired to Return
Multiple Messi interviews following his Inter Miami move have clearly indicated his desire to rejoin Barcelona after departing Paris Saint-Germain.
A notably important combined discussion with Mundo Deportivo and SPORT in June 2023 indicates the player was informed that Barcelona's signing depended on the club's financial situation. He supported returning but awaited confirmation of feasibility, given his uncomfortable 2021 exit—under Laporta's leadership—left him cautious about external control over his future.
Messi's account aligns with Xavi and Alemany's claims regarding La Liga's approval.
"[I felt] tremendous enthusiasm about returning, but simultaneously, having endured my previous experience and departure [in 2021], I refused to face identical circumstances again: waiting uncertainly while others controlled my destiny," Messi clarified.
"I chose to decide independently, considering myself and my family. Despite hearing La Liga had supposedly approved my return, numerous other requirements remained. I understood [Barcelona] needed to transfer players or reduce wages, and honestly, I preferred avoiding that situation."
In two additional instances, Messi provided fewer specifics. Yet consistently stated his desire to return but acknowledged it "couldn't happen."
This controversy unfolding now—mere days before the forthcoming presidential election—demonstrates Barcelona's political maneuvering and the significance of internal power dynamics.