The saga of Lionel Messi’s potential return to Barcelona in 2023 has resurfaced with explosive details, this time from none other than former coach Xavi Hernandez. In a recent interview ahead of Barcelona’s presidential election, Xavi revealed how negotiations to bring the football icon back were closer than anyone imagined—but ultimately derailed by club politics.
Messi’s Return Almost Happened
According to Xavi, Barcelona initiated contact with Messi in early 2023, shortly after the Argentine superstar led his national team to World Cup glory in Qatar. Messi reportedly expressed genuine enthusiasm for returning to the club that nurtured his legendary career, and Xavi described the proposed plan as a fitting “final dance” akin to Michael Jordan’s farewell moments in basketball.
“We were planning a one last dance, just like Jordan,” Xavi explained, recounting conversations with Messi’s father, Jorge. While negotiations were ongoing for several months, the envisioned homecoming never materialized. By summer 2023, Messi had opted to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, following the conclusion of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
Laporta’s Role in Halting the Deal
Xavi did not shy away from placing responsibility for the failed return squarely on Barcelona president Joan Laporta. He claimed that the deal was nearly complete and that La Liga had already approved the move, but Laporta intervened directly in the contract discussions with Messi’s family.
“Leo was actually very close to joining. We started communications in January after the World Cup, and he was clearly excited to return,” Xavi stated.
Negotiations continued until March, with Xavi maintaining close contact with Messi, ensuring the discussions remained focused on sporting objectives. “I told him, ‘Once you give me the green light, I will inform the president,’ because I saw it as a positive step from a footballing perspective,” he added.
Family Involvement and Contract Talks
Xavi also revealed that Messi’s family was actively involved in the discussions, but the dynamic changed once Laporta stepped in. “The president started negotiating the contract directly with Jorge, Messi’s father. We had the La Liga approval, but it was the president who canceled everything,” Xavi explained.
Laporta reportedly justified his decision by expressing concern over potential backlash within the club: “If Leo returns, there would be a war attacking him, and I cannot allow that to happen,” Xavi quoted.
Communication Breakdown
The fallout from the failed negotiations caused a temporary rift in communication between Xavi and Messi. At one point, Messi reportedly stopped responding to Xavi’s calls after being informed that a return was impossible.
“When I called his father, I said, ‘This transfer cannot happen, Jorge,’ and he replied, ‘Talk to the president,’” Xavi recounted. He emphasized that the sporting and financial aspects were fully aligned, and Barcelona was prepared to accommodate Messi’s return both on and off the pitch.
Strained Relationship Between Xavi and Messi
The failed transfer also strained the personal relationship between Xavi and Messi. The Argentine star initially believed Xavi was complicit in blocking his return, causing a temporary lapse in their communication.
“It took a while before I spoke to Messi again because he thought I was part of the plan that stopped his comeback,” Xavi admitted. “It impacted our relationship, but things have now returned to normal. He understands the situation, but there was a period when communication was impossible. That was unfortunate, and it happened because of those in decision-making positions.”
The Reality of a Messi Return Under Laporta
Xavi concluded that the chances of Messi returning to Barcelona under Laporta’s current leadership are now extremely slim. The episode highlights the complex interplay of club politics, presidential decisions, and personal relationships in football, showing that even the most celebrated players are not immune to bureaucratic challenges.
“This is not just about football; it’s about people in positions of power making decisions that affect careers, legacies, and personal bonds,” Xavi noted.
Conclusion: Lessons from a Blocked Homecoming
The 2023 episode underscores how close Messi came to reuniting with Barcelona and how fragile such negotiations can be, even when sporting and financial conditions align. Xavi’s revelations shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics that ultimately shaped Messi’s unexpected move to MLS rather than a celebrated homecoming in Catalonia.
For fans and football analysts alike, this story serves as a reminder that transfers are never purely about the pitch. Personal decisions, internal politics, and leadership priorities can be just as influential, and even legends like Messi are subject to the realities of club governance. While the missed reunion disappointed supporters worldwide, it also highlighted the enduring significance of leadership, communication, and timing in shaping football history.
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