Xavi’s bombshell: Messi return was “already agreed” before Laporta blocked it

March 9, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

Xavi explains why he decided to speak

After almost two years without public comment about his exit from Barcelona, Xavi Hernández has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his departure.

According to the interview published by Joan Josep Pallàs and Anaïs Martí Herrero in La Vanguardia, the former midfielder said he felt he could no longer remain silent about what happened inside the club.

Xavi explained that he initially chose not to speak out of respect for Barcelona and its supporters. Over time, however, he became increasingly frustrated by what he believes is an inaccurate version of events circulating within the club.

He told La Vanguardia that he decided to speak publicly because he wanted to “tell the truth” and clarify how the final months of his tenure unfolded.

Claim about Lionel Messi’s attempted return

One of the most striking claims in the interview concerns Lionel Messi’s potential return to Barcelona in 2023.

According to the interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi said discussions with the Argentine star progressed significantly following Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar. The coach explained that he and Messi spoke for several months about a possible comeback to Camp Nou.

Xavi told the newspaper that the move ultimately collapsed despite earlier progress. In the interview he said, “Messi var allerede skrevet under, Laporta trak stikket ud, fordi han ikke ville have en krig med ham.”

According to La Vanguardia, Xavi suggested that Barcelona president Joan Laporta ultimately decided not to proceed with the deal.

Messi instead joined Inter Miami later in 2023, ending speculation about a return to the Catalan club.

Frustration with Barcelona leadership

Xavi also used the interview to describe his disappointment with how his relationship with Joan Laporta ended.

According to La Vanguardia, the former coach said he initially had a strong relationship with the Barcelona president but felt let down during the events leading to his departure.

Reflecting on the situation, he told the newspaper, “Laporta skrev kontrakt med mig, men endte med at skuffe mig.”

Xavi also pointed to the influence of businessman Alejandro Echevarría, a close associate of Laporta, as a key figure in the internal dynamics at the club.

According to the interview in La Vanguardia, Xavi said Echevarría played an important role behind the scenes in the decision that led to his dismissal. “Jeg er ude, fordi jeg stod op imod Alejandro Echevarría,” he said.

Praise for Hansi Flick and Barcelona’s young core

Despite his criticism of the club’s leadership, Xavi also spoke positively about the current Barcelona team.

According to La Vanguardia, he praised current coach Hansi Flick and said he maintains a good relationship with him.

Xavi said he remains proud of the young core of players he helped develop during his time as coach, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Alejandro Balde and Pau Cubarsí.

The former manager said building that foundation for Barcelona’s future is one of the achievements he values most from his tenure.

Interview reignites debate inside Barcelona

The interview has reignited discussion around Xavi’s departure and the internal politics of Barcelona’s leadership.

According to La Vanguardia, Xavi said he is not speaking out of resentment but rather to give supporters a clearer understanding of what he believes happened inside the club.

His comments also revive long running questions about why a return for Lionel Messi never materialized, despite earlier speculation that the Argentine legend could finish his career at Camp Nou.

Sources: La Vanguardia