Laporta Stopped Messi's Return to Barcelona, Says Xavi

Xavi Hernandez, the former coach of FC Barcelona, stated that the club's president, Joan Laporta, halted Lionel Messi's potential return to avoid a power struggle. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and later signed with Inter Miami in January 2023 after winning the World Cup.

Xavi expressed that he was ready for Messi's return and had communicated this to Laporta, who reportedly rejected the idea to prevent a conflict over power dynamics. Xavi mentioned that Messi's father and agent, Jorg Messi, indicated that the superstar decided not to return.

The situation was further complicated by the upcoming presidential debate for Laporta's re-election. Xavi also noted that he felt hurt by the decision, especially since he believed Messi's return made football sense.

Additionally, Laporta claimed that Barcelona rejected a €250 million offer from PSG for teenage superstar Lamin Yamal.