Former Barcelona head coach Xavi and Joan Laporta have become locked in a war of words following a controversial interview in which the former Barcelona midfielder claimed the president blocked Lionel Messi from making a hero’s return to the club over fears of a power struggle.
In a wide-ranging interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi opened up about the breakdown in his relationship with the club’s power brokers and revealed details of a failed plan to bring back club legend and former team-mate Messi in 2023.
'The president is lying about what happened with Messi,' Xavi said. 'Leo was signed. In January of 2023 I contacted him after he won the World Cup and he told me he was excited about coming back. We talked until March and I told him: "When you give me the OK, I'll tell the president."
'We had the green light from LaLiga, but Laporta threw everything out. He told me, verbatim, that if Messi came back, he was going to wage war against him and that he couldn't allow it.
'I tried to talk to Leo and he wouldn't answer the phone. I spoke to his father (Jorge Messi) and told him I didn't understand anything, and he said, "Talk to the president." It was all set, it was going to be his "last dance," like Michael Jordan, everything was ready.
'I’m never going back to Barca. I’ve already done my time as a player and coach. Now I just want to tell the truth. Messi didn’t come to Barca because Laporta didn’t want him. It’s a lie that his father asked for more or that LaLiga didn't want him. Laporta has all the power at the club and he knew that Messi would manage that power for him.'
Xavi also claimed he had been hamstrung by financial constraints, which he said contributed to his team’s poor performances. A request to bring in Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad was rejected, with the midfielder later joining Arsenal for £55million.
He also pointed to the departure of Jordi Cruyff as sporting director as a symbol of the deterioration of a club whose values had long been shaped by the footballing philosophy of Jordi’s father, Johan Cruyff.
Xavi's comments come ahead of this week’s presidential election, in which Laporta is aiming to be re-elected. Club members will head to the polls on Sunday to choose between him and Victor Font.
Laporta has since fired back at Xavi’s comments, claiming the Barcelona legend has been left embittered by the fact that his successor, Hansi Flick, has been more successful.
'When I see what Xavi has said, I think about Hansi Flick,' Laporta told RAC1. 'Being Barca president is a tough job and you have to make difficult decisions. I did what I had to do.
'With Xavi, I saw that we were going to lose and that with Flick we were going to win. I understand that he's hurting. With the same players, Flick is winning.
'As for Messi, this is how it was: In 2023, I was told Messi wanted to return and I sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who later came to my house and told me that there would be too much pressure back here and that they would prefer to go to Miami.'
During the interview, Xavi also accused Laporta of being influenced by his former brother-in-law, Alejandro Echevarria, whom he claims holds real power at Barcelona.
'Laporta convinced me to stay when I had said in January I was leaving. He told me: "I don't see the team without you."
'The president got rid of me without telling me the truth, conditioned by a person who is above him, who is Alejandro Echevarría. That's to say, who really got rid of me as coach is Alejandro.
'He (Echevarria) has more power than Laporta, he betrayed me.'
Laporta addressed those claims by suggesting his opponent in the presidential race, Font, is 'using' Xavi as part of a smear campaign ahead of the vote.
'What hurts me is that he allowed himself to be used,' Laporta added. 'To hurt me, he’s used someone from my inner circle (Alejandro Echevarria). They defended him (Xavi) even when it was indefensible for him to continue, as did Yuste. He’s eager to smear me. Behind Xavi, I understand Victor Font is trying to manipulate this electoral process.'
Pureface12
0
thing is, we know now. I doubt Xavier would lie
He would lie or not is not the issue but saying all these now is not appropriate. He should have spoken a long time ago after he got sacked or something not now
Oluwajaybaba
0
UNDER XAVI, BARCA SUFFERED AGAINST MADRID. MADRID DEALTH US AND GIRONA BET US HOME AND AWAY !!! MADRID HOME AND AWAY !!!! XAVI SHUTYA TRAP
Pureface12
0
it's clear that Larpota is lying. Xavi had resigned, so who made him change he is mind? what need for defending did he need? by his own choice it's not like he was being forced out no He Larpota convinced him to stay then sacked him instead, was all that necessary?, Messi and Xavi both love Barca and wud not want to cause it harm, Messi was not trying to force his way back @ the expense of Barca's well being.
Why can’t Xavi talk about this since why is it now that he spoke disturbing the peace of the club that is moving forward, if xavi truly loves Barca now is not the time to talk instead just watch silently. We are in the middle of elections and also hard matches to play He should not disturb the good work Laporta and Flick has achieved without financial help… Now, me as a Barca fan i now believe my team can win the champions league under flick and not Xavi time where we love to play draw most times and the team Xavi has is what Flick has and he almost send Raphinha out thanks to Laporta sacking him very soon and now see how Raphinha is playing. Is Xavi the only legend even iniesta is a legend and most of our legends are mute. Laporta made a hard decision and now it pays, Barca will surely move in from Messi era and I can remember during the 2000’s when we had economic issue it was Laporta doings that gave us success allow Guardiola to take over the team from Barca to senior team coach and allowed Guardiola to sell Ronaldinho, Etoo, Yaya Toure and more to bring in Messi and other younger players even Xavi and iniesta themselves benefited from this so he should shut up now and allow us play football and allow Laporta to continue working.
Redcdeiknu
1
that's how he is he was using only Spanish players at his time
Wizprince11
1
If Messi comes back to Barcelona after the world cup it will bring financial boost through Shirt sales and sponsorship deal 🤝
Jayinfinity
0
many people don't want to accept the fact that bringing messi now would help the clubs portfolio even better, yes messi may cost much in wages but the level of influence he also brings to the club is legendary.
Mapaciprsz
2
Xavi should get out!!! Why is he bringing up the matter now? Politics everywhere
Lauceimnpr
1
all Barca fans. before Messi there was Barca and after Messi there will always be Barca. let's move on from Messi please. God bless Barca
lotacdilrs
1
This things happen in football, no coach can last forever in a football club. Mr Xavi Hernandez don't take it so personal.
Abhish764
0
Why i think this presidential election is not good for Barca.
King185
2
Laporta saved barca, idc what nobody says. He made tough decisions for the benefit of the club. Messi is Xavi's friend and he wanted him back in barca which would not have been beneficial at that moment.
brismac
4
Xavi is right, but being president for club like Barcelona FC, is really a tough job, tough decisions need to be taken... Messi just completed foootball at the time... We needed new breed of players like what we have now, A new era...... Messi stills gonna recieve that Hero Welcome...
Jadbdetuz
1
In Spain League there's only 2 Team. It either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Others are there fir numbers.
Jadbdetuz
1
Messi has been more successful in Miami than Barcelona. He changed a relegation team into a Top Team in MLS . Also won 4 Trophies 🏆 with Miami.
MUTAPE10
2
Everyone man has a case to answer, and it is not for us to was linen in public. Ronaldinho, Eto’o and co were tough decisions Laporta had to make in favour of Pep, Xavi, Iniesta Messi, and Co. We did not like how it happened again then but we had to live on, and golden age came, from a bitter decision esp with Eto and Ronnie. Same way no-one liked how Messi left, the delicate nature of the situation. Same as Suarez, Neymar etc. But we have again to learn to live on, letting bygones be just that, and focus on the team. Reports had it that Xavi wanted Raphinha out, the head cornerstone. We all love Messi, and maybe he needed that fuel for the World Cup, for life rewards in the most unusual manner, and at the end, we were all happy. He is doing well in Miami. Joseph the dreamer interpreted from prison. Let sleeping dogs lie.
tubcekrsyz
0
I no this is a xavi conspiracy to vote laporta out and it's working. because he got me to consider victor funt
Jamaicanballa10
5
Xavi is a cry baby no one betrays you, Laporte just did what's best for the club.
Eddycure09
1
I like the way Laporta sacked Xavi
AFerZyuQ7329
1
Xavi is disappointing me he’s a legend let him act like one
jasbdeksy
0
Laporta trying to deflect by getting personal ...he thinks he can see into the future...what nonsense he saw flick winning and xavi losing...what an a$$hole.
Yeabdemory
0
This is enough evidence to vote for Victor font. he deserves to have a chance too. am casting my vote for him. come on catalunya
Am with you
Yeabdemory
0
Laporte must go
fotacdilns
0
Larpota all the way
Ludcenruy
0
Larpota is just another Bartomeu.. you all can't see the red flags. everyone knows Barcelona has financial issues, so how is it no 2 on expenditure?.. now think where would it be if it did not have this woes to restrict it's expenditure, remember Larpota even tried to sign in pple he had not the capacity to due to fairplay rules.. what wud happen if it returns to 1:1?
Ludcenruy
0
it's clear that Larpota is lying. Xavi had resigned, so who made him change he is mind? what need for defending did he need? by his own choice it's not like he was being forced out no He Larpota convinced him to stay then sacked him instead, was all that necessary?, Messi and Xavi both love Barca and wud not want to cause it harm, Messi was not trying to force his way back @ the expense of Barca's well being.
bisairtu
0
you can't even vote in your country Nigeria,much more barça. Laporta shall continue
Am not from Nigeria but a Namibian, let me tell you, am already in UK, I will be traveling to Spain in 2 days, only delayed by Conflicts going On. Not because I use all football that I cannot travel, I use this platform when bored because of crazy comments like 2 or 3 days a week. And I'm telling you I already have first hand ticket.
Esawaneh
0
This is enough evidence to vote for Victor font. he deserves to have a chance too. am casting my vote for him. come on catalunya
you can't even vote in your country Nigeria,much more barça. Laporta shall continue
Netdlmntuz
1
Please don't return, Barcelona doesn't need you. it is only failure that cry like you. did you hear Messi complaining? You are just a baby. I respected you both as a player and even with your immaturity as a Coach. i never knew you were just a baby.
Fukoff he is just telling truth about the politics that happens in every level of these structures where power blinds people and make them corrupt.
hossanna
0
xavi you are a legend of the team but your partner of coaching is not what Barcelona wants at the time of your employment, you came in to Barcelona at the raung time
bisairtu
2
This is enough evidence to vote for Victor font. he deserves to have a chance too. am casting my vote for him. come on catalunya
Spheg
1
So why is he coming out now that d election will be hold lol we get that Xavi d rivals using u as the political tools won’t help out…just calm down get another job cos we love lapota, we re good without Messi this guy is our legend and he can’t be with us forever he has done is part and we really appreciate him buh coming now to say all this nah…it won’t work out!!! We guess you’re still hurt anyways 💙❤️
thing is, we know now. I doubt Xavier would lie
huuaekmnrt
3
xavi a player did his best for Barca but as a coach he is a failure. Xavi brought so many stars he couldn't manage even when the club was crying for money. One remember that he nearly sale Rafinha because bad tactics and not understanding his players. I wish he can just keep quiet and not erode the reputation he built over the years.
KLEMIN
2
This abnormal behavior from Laporta and Xavi seems normal to them prior to elections. None of them is truthful. We all saw what happens to Messi. Laporta used him to win the election and secretly axed him. It was the same Laporta, last year, who started talks of Messi's return. Victor Fonte is also using Xavi to campaign. Fonte knows he will have questions to answer in case he says these things himself and eventually wins. He is using Xavi who would not have any questions to answer in the future. Xavi, as a Barca legend should stayed out of this election campaign and its related issues.
Bode1
0
You people shouldn’t forget that yamal was put in by xavi since then the rest is history
So??? Bcos of that what should now happen, we should sack hansi and employ him, don’t bring this talk here ok it’s not needed
Yadbkmnprt
1
Who cares
Bode1
0
So why is he coming out now that d election will be hold lol we get that Xavi d rivals using u as the political tools won’t help out…just calm down get another job cos we love lapota, we re good without Messi this guy is our legend and he can’t be with us forever he has done is part and we really appreciate him buh coming now to say all this nah…it won’t work out!!! We guess you’re still hurt anyways 💙❤️
reobklmpuz
1
Please don't return, Barcelona doesn't need you. it is only failure that cry like you. did you hear Messi complaining? You are just a baby. I respected you both as a player and even with your immaturity as a Coach. i never knew you were just a baby.
Challay1
4
Laporta, pls go rest, let's try someone else, So-so lie-lie
Wuwbcinpz
1
Laporta is the President not you
Jenacinouz
0
tiabclopr
1
Xavi u looking for sympathy an as a club legend yes u hav to remember if yr not doing good as a coach u will be replaced does not matter who u are the club is bigger than you nobody owes you nothing yr a hypocrite
Davichi
6
"Font, is 'using' Xavi as part of a smear campaign ahead of the vote." This is what I believe and it's a shame that a legend like Xavi will allow himself to be used by Font, even bringing Messi into the equation after Messi made it clear that he doesn't want to interfere with the election process. Barcelona members better think objectively and vote in a president who will take the club to the next level.
pudilmnpuz
2
First time I am seeing Xavi put people and himself above the interest of Barca. Admitting that Messi would control Laporta as if that's a good thing that a player has power over the president
doubceprsu
0
you were my favourite Barcelona player during your time on the pitch, with all due respect, you were very miserable as a coach, and I never wish to see you coach Barcelona ever again, maybe take any other role but never a coach if you ever change your mind.
real talk
EmmaAmpadu
1
Manipulating the electoral process is to come and respond to something you claim is false. Laporta wants power again to continue his rule and supremacy
alexdeluxe71
0
these are political statements amidst Gyan going elections for president of Barça
Vimbii
0
Seriously Xavier why are not?
Lee93
4
Flick is winning with literally the same players Xavi was losing with. I can't forget defeats against Frankfurt at home in Europa of all the competitions, Xavi is campaigning for font but any president would have sacked
Yumbcnrstu
1
He’s a politician. Betrayals are normal business.
Sovoty
1
you were my favourite Barcelona player during your time on the pitch, with all due respect, you were very miserable as a coach, and I never wish to see you coach Barcelona ever again, maybe take any other role but never a coach if you ever change your mind.
A miserable coach that won Barca a league title? You must be foolish. Of course Flicks's Barca is better but don't 4get the coach who gave all these youngsters the platform to be who they are now. It was Xavi who first believed and gave most of these youngsters their debuts. You don't 4get someone's importance bcos of 1/2 errors. That's being childish.