Former Barcelona player and coach Xavi Hernandez has accused current club president Joan Laporta of sabotaging Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona in 2023. According to Xavi, negotiations with Messi, who had the green light from La Liga and whose contract terms were discussed with his father, were derailed by Laporta withdrawing the offer.
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after Laporta retracted his contract on the day it was supposed to be signed. Afterwards, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain and subsequently Inter Miami. Xavi publicly supports Laporta's rival Victor Font in the upcoming presidential elections, emphasizing his goal of revealing the truth about the episode.
These allegations may hurt Laporta's popularity among Barcelona supporters, especially since his 2021 presidential campaign included a promise to retain Messi. The controversy highlights the complex internal club politics and the management’s significant influence on transfer decisions.
In conclusion, Xavi’s statements open a new chapter in Barcelona’s complicated relationship with its iconic player and could become a pivotal issue in the forthcoming club elections.
