Xavi Hernandez claims Joan Laporta blocked Lionel Messi's 2023 return to Barcelona

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez stated in an interview with La Vanguardia that Lionel Messi was close to returning to the club in 2023. Xavi claims that after winning the 2022 World Cup, Messi was enthusiastic about a reunion with the team. According to Xavi, he and the player maintained communication regarding a potential transfer until March 2023. Xavi asserts that he had the approval to proceed, noting that La Liga had greenlit the financial aspects of the deal. However, Xavi alleges that club president Joan Laporta ultimately stopped the negotiations. Xavi believes the reason given by Laporta for the cancellation was a concern over potential internal conflict. This public criticism from Xavi follows his recent show of support for presidential candidate Victor Font. Joan Laporta has not yet provided a detailed counter-statement to these specific allegations regarding the failed transfer.