Laporta ‘not afraid’ of Messi speaking out on failed transfer ahead of Barcelona elections | OneFootball

The former president of FC Barcelona and current presidential candidate, Joan Laporta, continued his round of interviews in different media outlets during the final stretch of the club’s election campaign.

Speaking on COPE (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Laporta addressed the possibility that Lionel Messi might publicly speak in the coming days about the failed attempt to bring him back to Barcelona in 2023.

The topic resurfaced after former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said in an interview with La Vanguardia that the Argentine’s return to the club had been close, but that Laporta ultimately stopped the move because he feared Messi could turn against him.

Laporta on the possibility of Messi speaking out

When asked directly whether he was ‘afraid’ about Messi or his father speaking publicly before the elections, Laporta responded calmly.

“No, not at all,” he stated.

The former president went on to say that if Messi’s father were to speak, he believes his version of events would match his own.

“I’m convinced he would say the same thing as me, because the conversation was what it was, unless they change their stories. But I don’t think they’ll change their stories because Jorge and I have always understood each other,” said Laporta.

“What we also don’t want is to divert attention from what matters to Barça fans, because they’re electing the president and the board of directors.

“In this context, Xavi’s comments contribute absolutely nothing. Did he steal any votes from me? The ballot boxes will tell,” he added.

On Xavi’s comments

Laporta admitted he does not understand the remarks made by Xavi regarding Messi’s potential return.

Laporta not amused by Xavi’s comments. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

“That’s why I don’t understand what Xavi is saying. Leo had to come back after his time at PSG. Jorge Messi came to my house and told me they’d be better off in Miami than in Saudi Arabia or Barcelona, ​​where they’d be under a lot of pressure,” he said.

“This is just an attempt to distort the elections. What Xavi is saying isn’t true; he’s being used by Font and he’s not contributing anything to the electoral debate. This way of acting is disappointing.” 

Laporta also revisited the circumstances that led to Xavi’s dismissal as Barcelona manager in 2024.

“Xavi says they relaxed, and he himself acknowledges why we let him go. He said Barça couldn’t compete with Real Madrid, he told me his words had been twisted, and Deco warned me he wanted changes in the squad… so I called him,” explained Laporta.

Continuing, he added: “When Xavi said he was leaving at the end of the season, we started making moves, and Flick began to study the club.

“The end of the season arrives, Xavi says he wants to stay, and I say to him, ‘Okay, do you believe in this team?’ He tells me he’ll make them champions, and then he says what he says.”

During the interview, Laporta was also asked to compare Messi with Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal.

“Lamine is currently a genius and now the benchmark at Barça, along with Pedri. And Messi has been the best of all time. He has given us everything, and Barça has also given him everything,” he concluded.