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.'
Netdlmntuz
0
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
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
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
0
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
0
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
0
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
5
"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
1
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
3
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.
MathiasMaxwellEmma
0
Don't even come close
GaddafiJamal
0
grow the F up
Sense Is Far From You, Jon 🤧🤮
bedcdepuz
0
You Don’t Have Sense, Keep Quiet 🤫😂
grow the F up
Vaciklpy
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.
Tuebikmtuy
1
who need you and your flawless tactics that was causing Barca fan high blood pressure. Your time is over. yes you are a good player not a good coach.
qwekulavish
2
You people shouldn’t forget that yamal was put in by xavi since then the rest is history
Showex
0
That’s your problem not to return, you are one of our legends but Larpota did what’s best for the club by letting you go. The same players you can’t manage are the ones doing wonders under flick.
He did nothing, i guess you are among the set of people always scared to make tough decisions
kceeyankee101
0
That’s your problem not to return, you are one of our legends but Larpota did what’s best for the club by letting you go. The same players you can’t manage are the ones doing wonders under flick.
Laport did nothing. Why is he want to repeat class? Na who no no book Dey repeat class
GaddafiJamal
0
go to school and come back with something better to say
You Don’t Have Sense, Keep Quiet 🤫😂
bedcdepuz
0
You fool. His better you keep shot
go to school and come back with something better to say
kceeyankee101
0
I only have one word for Xavi: FOOL!
Same to you
kceeyankee101
0
and how was Barca going to pay Messi?Xavi needs to understand the financial part..Messi was getting the biggest salary for 10 years until Mbappe renewed with PSG.Barca was still owing Messi $150mil also
You fool. His better you keep shot
Tocilostyz
1
He wanted Messi to come be the club's new kit manager or what.?
bedcdepuz
1
and how was Barca going to pay Messi?Xavi needs to understand the financial part..Messi was getting the biggest salary for 10 years until Mbappe renewed with PSG.Barca was still owing Messi $150mil also
penaeirs
1
I only have one word for Xavi: FOOL!
Suecknrtuz
1
Stupid president
Showex
5
That’s your problem not to return, you are one of our legends but Larpota did what’s best for the club by letting you go. The same players you can’t manage are the ones doing wonders under flick.