Xavi says Laporta blocked Messi's Barcelona return to prevent power struggle

Barcelona — Former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has revealed that club president Joan Laporta prevented Lionel Messi's return to the team in 2023, citing concerns over a potential power struggle within the club.

Speaking about the situation, Xavi stated that Laporta decided against bringing back the Argentine star to Barcelona, despite significant anticipation among fans and the football community. According to Xavi, Laporta was concerned that Messi's presence could lead to a division of authority at the club.

"Laporta stopped Messi Barca return to avoid power struggle," Xavi said, as reported by Geo News. The former coach explained that the president was wary of the influence Messi could wield, which might have affected the club's internal 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. His departure was primarily attributed to financial constraints faced by the club at the time. Since then, there had been ongoing speculation about a possible return, especially after Messi's stint with Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Xavi's recent comments shed light on the internal considerations that played a role in the decision-making process. He indicated that Laporta's reluctance was not solely based on financial or sporting reasons, but also on the desire to maintain a clear hierarchy within the club's leadership.

Messi's return to Barcelona was a subject of widespread discussion in 2023, with many supporters hoping for a reunion. Xavi's remarks now provide further insight into why the move did not materialize, highlighting the complexities involved in managing high-profile players and club governance.

Neither Laporta nor Messi has publicly commented on Xavi's statements regarding the decision to halt the return. The development adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative surrounding Messi's relationship with Barcelona and the club's leadership.