League: LaLiga Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Scores & Results

Xavi claims Messi's Barcelona return fell through due to Laporta's decision

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 1:00 PM

Last updated Sep 20, 2026

Xavi claims Messi's Barcelona return fell through due to Laporta's decision

Summary

Xavi Hernandez revealed that Lionel Messi was eager to return to Barcelona after the 2022 World Cup. During a podcast, Xavi stated he maintained contact with Messi for four months and supported the move. However, he claimed that club president Joan Laporta ultimately decided against signing Messi again, leading to disappointment. Xavi described the situation as unexpected and difficult to explain to Messi. Since leaving Barcelona, Messi has found success in MLS, raising questions about the club's handling of his potential return.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Messi was keen to return to Barcelona after the World Cup.
•Xavi claims to have supported Messi's return for four months.
•Laporta ultimately decided against signing Messi, according to Xavi.
•Xavi found it difficult to convey the news to Messi.
•Messi currently plays in MLS, having left Barcelona in 2021.

Latest Updates

1:00 PMYahoo Sports — Xavi makes stunning claim over Lionel Messi’s failed Barcelona return: ‘Laporta cancelled everything’

What they're saying

"
Xavi Hernandez is a Barcelona legend in every sense of the word, but his tenure as manager left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of everyone involved.The Spanish tactician came to the Catalan club as...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Barcelona Paris Saint-Germain LaLiga Soccer