Shocking! Messi was set to return to Barcelona, but the deal collapsed at the last moment
Lionel Messi's long-awaited return to Barcelona was closer than anyone imagined, but the dream never became reality.
Details: Former Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed new details about the Argentine superstar's failed return to the Catalan club in 2023. According to the Spanish coach, he remained in contact with Messi for four months following Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup. Both were excited about the prospect of working together again, but club president Joan Laporta ultimately decided against the transfer.
Xavi explained how the negotiations unfolded and why Messi's return ultimately fell through:
“I wanted him to return and we were in contact for four months. Then Laporta decided that Messi would not return. That is what happened, that is the truth.
It was very difficult for me to tell Messi that we couldn’t do it. Messi was excited and I was excited, but suddenly Laporta decided it wasn’t going to happen.
We needed him in the team and he was at his best after winning the World Cup. It was a shame.”
Xavi believes Messi could have made an immediate impact on Barcelona after his World Cup triumph. However, despite the prolonged discussions, the Argentine never returned to the club where he had spent the majority of his professional career. Laporta has previously disputed Xavi's account of why the proposed move failed to materialize.
It is worth noting that Messi currently plays for Inter Miami. On September 16, 2026, the Argentine became the first player in the American club's history to reach 100 goals, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup.
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Steven Perez
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