Spanish football is once again stirred by a major revelation, involving Barcelona legend and former head coach Xavi. Before the public debate between Joan Laporta and Victor Font, Xavi shared significant details with La Vanguardia about a previously undisclosed plan for Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona.
The revelation quickly sparked wide discussion among fans and media and led many to reexamine Messi’s departure.
Xavi Reveals Messi Was Close to Returning to Barcelona
In the interview, Xavi stated that Messi had already formed a clear intention to return to Barcelona shortly after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Following Argentina’s historic triumph, Messi reached the pinnacle of his career, and at that stage, he began seriously considering a return to Camp Nou.
According to Xavi, around January 2023, Messi contacted him and the two discussed the possibility of the Argentine star rejoining Barcelona. More importantly, the plan was not merely an informal idea. At the time, it had reportedly already received an initial “green light” from La Liga authorities.
From an external perspective, this suggested that Messi’s return to Barcelona was only one step away from becoming reality.
However, events took a different turn at the crucial moment. Xavi explained that the plan had been very close to final approval, but it was ultimately blocked by Barcelona president Joan Laporta and later cancelled entirely.
This decision effectively ended any realistic chance of Messi returning to the club and became one of the key reasons why he ultimately did not rejoin Barcelona.
Messi’s Camp Reportedly Confirms Xavi’s Statement
After Xavi’s interview was published, Spanish media outlets quickly followed up on the story. Sources close to Messi reportedly said the Argentine star is aware of Xavi’s comments and agrees with his account of events.
This suggests that Xavi’s statement is not unfounded and may reflect genuine developments behind the scenes.
Nevertheless, many observers believe the full story may not yet have been revealed. Messi’s situation after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona’s financial challenges at the time, and the club’s internal decision-making could all have influenced the final outcome. Over time, more details may come to light.
Fan Reactions: Messi’s Emotional Bond With Barcelona Remains Strong
The revelation has also sparked strong reactions among fans and commentators. Many believe that, as a Barcelona legend who spent most of his career within the club’s system, Xavi would not publicly make such claims without credible information. Doing so without factual backing would risk significant damage to his own reputation.
At the same time, Laporta’s decision has become a focal point of debate. Some observers argue that Barcelona’s ongoing effort to rejuvenate the squad with younger players is understandable from a sporting perspective.
However, others feel that Messi is not only the greatest player in the club’s history but also a symbol of Barcelona itself. Passing up an opportunity for his return, if it was indeed possible, is therefore seen by many as a missed emotional moment for the club.
Regardless of the circumstances, the emotional connection between Messi and Barcelona remains undeniable. For countless fans, Messi is more than just a legendary player; he represents a defining part of the club’s identity.
For this reason, even after years away, many still believe that Barcelona will always be Messi’s true home.
