Lionel Messi’s entourage confirms Xavi’s revelation over failed Barcelona return | OneFootball

Former FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez gave an interview to La Vanguardia in which he made a massive revelation about Lionel Messi and Joan Laporta.

The club icon explained that Messi was very close to returning to Barcelona in January 2023, when the former was still the head coach. However, when the deal seemed to have received the green light from all parties involved, Laporta decided to cancel it.

According to Xavi, the president told him directly that if Messi returned, the player would “wage war against him” and that he could not allow such a situation.

Messi’s entourage stands by Xavi’s version

Those statements made by Xavi have now been supported by Messi’s entourage.

Indeed, Journalist Sique Rodriguez explained on Carrusel Deportivo that he spoke with people close to the Argentine, who confirmed that Laporta halted the transfer when it was already agreed.

“What Messi’s entourage is saying is that the truth is coming out, little by little, and there’s still more to come. Messi accepts Xavi’s version of events. According to what his entourage is saying, yes,” Rodriguez stated on air.

Messi wanted to come back in 2023. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

How this revelation will affect the election campaign remains to be seen.

Although Messi himself has not publicly supported either Laporta or Victor Font, the statements made by Xavi and the fact that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s entourage has validated them could represent a significant political blow for Laporta.

Laporta defends himself

Earlier today, during the electoral debate between Laporta and Font, the ex-president defended himself, stating that Messi’s move fell through because the Argentine himself decided not to return.

“It was the same with Messi: when we couldn’t renew his contract, due to financial reasons, in 2023 he told me that Messi wanted to return,” said Laporta.

“I sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who later came to my house and told me that he would have too much here – ‘pressure,’” he added.