Xavi makes striking comments regarding FC Barcelona

Former Barcelona manager and midfielder Xavi has recently spoken about FC Barcelona in an exclusive interview with La Vanguardia. He discussed several topics, including Lionel Messi and club President Joan Laporta.

In the interview, Xavi said:

"The president is lying about what happened with Messi. Leo was signed. In January of 2023, after he had won the World Cup, I spoke to him and he told me he was excited to learn. We spoke until March and I told him, 'Once you give me the OK, I will tell the president because it works perfectly on a football level.'

The president negotiated the contract with Leo's dad [Jorge] and we had the green light from LaLiga financially, but it's the president who pulled out. He told me that if Messi came back, he would make a war [against Laporta]. My interest is in telling the truth. Leo didn't come because the president didn't want him."

The confession that Lionel Messi could have returned to Barça will be one that fans of the club will be disappointed by. One of the greatest footballers to ever play the game could have had a fairytale return to his former La Liga side, but unfortunately, things were not meant to be for the Argentine and Spanish club.

Instead of joining Barcelona, Messi joined Inter Miami in the MLS, and he has helped guide the club to glory since signing.

Xavi further added that he wanted the club to sign Martin Zubimendi, when midfielder Sergio busuqets departed the club. "Sergio Busquets was leaving, so I asked the club to sign [Martin] Zubimendi and they told me no for financial reasons.”

With the Presidential election for Barcelona coming up, Joan Laporta is seeking a third spell as Barça's President. Do you think he will remain in the role, following Xavi's recent interview?