Messi's Return to Barcelona Halted by Joan Laporta

Xavi, a former player and current manager of FC Barcelona, disclosed during an interview that Lionel Messi had expressed a desire to return to the club after the 2022 World Cup. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, had made initial contact in January 2023, showing enthusiasm to wear the Blaugrana jersey again.

Xavi noted that Messi was willing to rejoin the club without demanding an increase in wages. However, despite the progress made, including receiving approval from La Liga, the deal was ultimately halted by club president Joan Laporta.

Xavi explained that Laporta's decision was influenced by concerns within the club's leadership regarding Messi's potential influence on the dressing room and the club's sporting project. Messi's departure from Barcelona in 2021 was marked by financial constraints that prevented the renewal of his contract, ending a historic era at Camp Nou.