The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi’s missed return to Barcelona in 2023 has resurfaced, drawing renewed attention as key figures within the club, including former coach Xavi Hernandez and club president Joan Laporta, are now embroiled in the debate.
Tensions have escalated ahead of the upcoming Barcelona presidential elections, with conflicting narratives emerging about why Messi’s highly anticipated homecoming fell through after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The saga has prompted public statements from multiple stakeholders, each offering a different version of events.
La Liga President Speaks Out
In the midst of the debate, Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, directly addressed the rumors. Speaking on the TVE program Estudio Estadio, Tebas firmly denied any claims that the league had ever given Barcelona approval or special authorization to facilitate Messi’s return.
“This is not true. La Liga never provided any authorization and never gave approval,” Tebas stated, directly challenging narratives previously circulated in the media.
Tebas’ comments specifically rebut the version presented by Xavi Hernandez, who had suggested that administrative processes were already at a stage where the transfer could have been completed. According to Tebas, no financial dispensation or regulatory leniency was granted to Barcelona, meaning the league never greenlit the deal that was reportedly meant to pave the way for Messi’s return.
Xavi Claims the Deal Was Nearly Done
The controversy initially reignited after statements made by Xavi, who revealed that plans for Messi’s return had progressed significantly in 2023. According to the former Barcelona coach, discussions between him and Messi had taken place over several months, with nearly all sporting arrangements agreed upon by spring 2023.
Xavi framed the move as a potential “last dance” for Messi in Catalunya, designed to allow the Argentine superstar to finish his illustrious career at his boyhood club. However, Xavi accused Laporta of ultimately blocking the transfer, claiming that the club president was unwilling to risk internal conflict with Messi.
The fallout from the failed transfer led Messi to continue his career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, a decision that reportedly strained the personal relationship between Messi and Xavi, who had been close during their time together at Barcelona.
Laporta Responds to Criticism
Joan Laporta has strongly defended the club’s decision in response to Xavi’s claims. Speaking during the recent Barcelona presidential election debates, Laporta criticized the former coach’s tenure while justifying the management’s handling of the Messi situation.
“I was surprised and hurt by Xavi’s comments,” Laporta said. “With Xavi, I felt we would lose, and with Flick, I felt we could win.”
Laporta also clarified that Messi’s failed return was not influenced by any league approvals. Instead, he emphasized that financial considerations and concerns over the immense pressure Messi would face were key factors behind the decision.
A Complex Saga of Football, Finance, and Friendship
The Messi-Barcelona saga illustrates the complexities of modern football transfers, where sporting ambitions, financial realities, and personal relationships intersect. While fans continue to debate what might have been, Tebas’ and Laporta’s statements confirm that the narrative is far more nuanced than earlier reports suggested.
As Barcelona prepares for both a new presidential term and the next chapter in its sporting projects, the Messi episode remains a pivotal moment—a reminder of how even the most legendary players face obstacles beyond the pitch.
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