Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has revealed that club president Joan Laporta blocked Lionel Messi’s return to the team in 2023, citing concerns over a possible power struggle within the club
Speaking about the situation, Xavi explained that despite widespread anticipation among fans and the football community, Laporta decided against bringing back the Argentine star. The president reportedly feared that Messi’s influence could disrupt the club’s internal hierarchy.
“Laporta stopped Messi Barca return to avoid power struggle,” Xavi told Geo News, noting that the decision was driven by concerns over the authority Messi could wield and its potential impact on the club’s leadership dynamics.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, left Barcelona in 2021 after spending his entire professional career at the club, with financial constraints cited as the main reason for his departure. Speculation about a potential return intensified after his move to Paris Saint-Germain, but the reunion never materialized.
Xavi’s comments suggest that the decision to halt Messi’s return went beyond financial or sporting considerations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear leadership structures at Barcelona.
The former coach’s revelations provide new insight into why Messi did not rejoin the club in 2023, underscoring the challenges of managing high-profile players while preserving organizational stability.
Neither Laporta nor Messi has publicly responded to Xavi’s statements, leaving fans and the football world to reflect on the complexities behind one of the most anticipated potential transfers in recent years.
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