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Things are taking a pretty interesting turn in LaLiga, as Barcelona icon Xavi claimed that club president Joan Laporta backed out from Lionel Messi's return to the Catalan club three years ago, he also claimed that they had a green signal from the league president as well. But Now, LaLiga president Javier Tebas has denied the claims from Barcelona icon.
Tebas clearly denied claims from both Xavi and Laporta, where he said that no approval was given on Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona. The Inter Miami skipper wanted to make a dream comeback to Barcelona after hist stint at PSG came to an end in the summer of 2023.
“La Liga did not authorise anything regarding Leo Messi's return to Barcelona in 2023”, he said (via @FabrizioRomano on X).
Lionel Messi forcefully left Barcelona in the winter of 2021 because of club's financial restrain at that point of time. After an abrupt end to his long relationship with the Catalan club, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner chose PSG as his next destination, where he played for two seasons.
After finishing his two stressful years at PSG, Messi joined Inter Miami on a free transfer in the summer of 2023. Curently, Messi is still playing for the Herons, where he is shing in full form with winning three titles.
Was Messi's return to Barcelona a 'done deal' after the World Cup? Xavi drops bombshell
In his recent interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi said:
“Leo Messi back to Barcelona was a done deal after that World Cup won by Argentina. It was done”.
The former Barcelona head coach added:
“We also had La Liga’s green light and Messi wanted to return… but Laporta stopped the signing”.
Xavi continued:
“Laporta told me that if Leo came back, there would be a wage war and he couldn't afford that.”
The disclosure, made just days before Barcelona's upcoming presidential elections, has ignited fierce backlash and division among fans. Many supporters accuse Laporta of betraying the club's legacy by prioritizing personal power dynamics over an emotional reunion that could have featured Messi alongside emerging talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
Xavi's comments have escalated longstanding tensions with Laporta, whom he accused of dishonesty during his tenure and exit as manager. The revelations arrive amid his public endorsement of rival candidate Victor Font, fueling speculation that the timing aims to influence voters by highlighting internal club politics and past leadership choices.
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