Xavi unexpectedly reveals the truth behind Messi's failed return to Barcelona

In a lengthy interview published in the newspaper La Vanguardia, former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández shared many noteworthy details about the breakdown of the plan to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou in the summer of 2023.

He also mentioned his relationship with President Joan Laporta, as well as several influential figures behind the scenes at the Catalan club.

Previously, Xavi had publicly supported businessman Víctor Font during an event related to the Barcelona presidential election. In this interview, the coach born in Terrassa did not hesitate to speak directly about what he believed were the reasons for the failure of the operation to bring Messi back to Camp Nou.

Xavi revealed that he maintains a good relationship with Messi and they still occasionally communicate. However, when asked whether they discussed Barcelona's internal situation or the elections, Xavi was quite cautious. He said those were private conversations and, given Messi's influence, he did not want to say too much. Nevertheless, according to Xavi, many people clearly understood the Argentine superstar's stance.

When asked if Messi could have returned to Barcelona if he (Xavi) had remained head coach, Xavi asserted: "The president did not tell the truth in this story. In January 2023, after he won the FIFA World Cup 2022, we contacted him and Leo said he really wanted to return to Barcelona."

According to Xavi, the two sides maintained contact for several months. He said he told Messi that once he received the final approval, he would inform the club's leadership because he considered this a very good professional opportunity for the team.

The Spanish coach revealed that initially the negotiation process between Barcelona and Messi's father proceeded smoothly. Barcelona even received approval from La Liga regarding financial regulations. However, according to Xavi, it was President Laporta who caused everything to collapse at the last minute.

"Laporta told me verbatim that if Leo returned, he would wage war against him and he could not accept that," Xavi recounted. Afterwards, Messi suddenly stopped answering his phone because the other side had told him the deal could not happen. At that point, Xavi had to call Messi's father to find out. He confirmed that the two sides had discussed for five months and the agreement was essentially finalized.

According to Xavi, Barcelona at that time also had a special plan while the team had to temporarily play at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys during Camp Nou's renovation. The idea was to organize a "final dance" for Messi, similar to what Michael Jordan did in his last season.

However, the incident caused a rift in the relationship between Xavi and Messi for a period. Messi once thought Xavi was also involved in this plan. "That really affected our relationship. But now everything is good again," Xavi said.

Nevertheless, Xavi affirmed that he always wished for Messi to return to Barcelona. According to him, the Argentine star could still bring immense value, from scoring ability to decisive passes. Xavi emphasized that Messi still has the capacity to play in another FIFA World Cup and certainly could continue shining at Camp Nou.

Besides the story about Messi, Xavi also shared his relationship with President Laporta. He admitted that initially they had a very good relationship and Laporta was the one who brought him back to Barcelona as coach. However, Xavi believes he was deeply disappointed.

According to Xavi, the decision to dismiss him did not entirely come from Laporta but was heavily influenced by Alejandro Echevarría, a powerful figure behind the scenes at the club. "In reality, it was Alejandro who dismissed me," Xavi asserted.

The 44-year-old coach admitted this was what disappointed him most, as they previously had a close relationship. Xavi believes Echevarría now holds significant influence at Barcelona, almost running the club from behind.

Additionally, Xavi mentioned German coach Hansi Flick and other internal issues at Barcelona. However, he affirmed one certainty: after his long association with the club both as a player and coach, he has no intention of returning to manage Barcelona in the near future.