Laporta Accuses Xavi and Alemany of Deception Regarding Messi's Return

A fresh controversy has emerged following statements by former Barcelona player and manager Xavi Hernandez, who recently alleged that Joan Laporta obstructed Lionel Messi's potential return to the club in 2023.

Xavi claimed that an agreement was in place for Messi to rejoin Barcelona after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, but Laporta ultimately failed to approve the deal. Laporta, the current three-time Barcelona president who is campaigning for a fourth term, initially denied these accusations earlier in the week and has now addressed them once more.

Following former Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany's corroboration of Xavi's account, Laporta was questioned on the matter during an interview with Onze de Esport 3. As reported by MD, Laporta believes Alemany's remarks were strategically motivated.

“I always maintained a good relationship (with Alemany), but he will know the reasons behind his statements. When bitterness sets in, it often leads to untruths,” Laporta stated. “La Liga never gave us a definitive green light. We believed we could have convinced them, but they don't disclose the specifics. Xavi spoke, and it seems they have used both him and Mateu. Make no mistake, I had a very good relationship with [Javier] Tebas. Mateu is now at Atlético, and being shrewd, he surely wants to destabilize a direct rival like Barça.”

Laporta: Xavi’s Perspective Is Clouded by Bitterness

Laporta also revisited Xavi’s allegations regarding his dismissal as Barcelona manager in the summer of 2024. He firmly asserts that the 46-year-old is unable to offer an impartial view on the matter due to his lingering resentment over how events unfolded.

“Xavi’s opinion is heavily influenced by a certain bitterness, and from that sentiment, the truth is compromised. Everyone is free to speak, but Xavi’s statements confirm to me that we made a sound decision, because with largely the same players, Xavi lost while Flick achieved victories,” Laporta concluded.