Laporta blocked Messi’s Barcelona comeback to avoid conflict, says Xavi
Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has revealed that club president Joan Laporta stopped Lionel Messi from returning to the team to prevent a potential power struggle. According to Xavi, everything was set for Messi’s comeback, but the president intervened despite financial approval from La Liga. Laporta reportedly feared that bringing back Messi would create internal conflict, leading to the breakdown of the deal. The situation also caused communication issues between Xavi and Messi.
Match highlights
- Xavi Hernandez said Joan Laporta blocked Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona to avoid a power struggle.
- Messi had shown interest in coming back after his stint at Paris Saint-Germain and before joining Inter Miami.
- Laporta told Xavi that if Messi returned, he would "wage war" against him, and could not allow it.
- Laporta claimed he sent a contract to Messi’s father, who later said there would be too much pressure if Messi returned.
- Laporta also stated that Barcelona rejected a €250 million offer from PSG for Lamine Yamal.
