The long-standing narrative surrounding Lionel Messi’s failed return to Barcelona has been shattered by explosive new revelations from former head coach Xavi Hernández.

In a candid interview that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, the Barça legend accused club president Joan Laporta of “betrayal,” claiming that a deal to bring the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner back to the Spotify Camp Nou in early 2023 was virtually finalized before being personally vetoed by the president.

Xavi, who shared the pitch with Messi on 399 occasions, detailed a timeline that contradicts the club’s official stance. According to the 46-year-old technician, the wheels were set in motion immediately following Messi’s World Cup triumph in Qatar.

“Laporta doesn’t tell the truth,” Xavi stated during his interview with La Vanguardia, asserting that the Argentine superstar was genuinely excited about a homecoming and that La Liga had already provided the necessary financial “green light” for the transfer.

Xavi Hernandez Drops Lionel Messi Bombshell as Barcelona Betrayal Revealed

The former playmaker’s testimony paints a picture of internal sabotage at the highest level of the club. While the public was told that financial constraints and league regulations were the primary hurdles, Xavi insists that Laporta backed out of the negotiations at the last minute.

The president reportedly cited concerns over a potential “wage war” within the locker room as the reason for halting the deal, a move that led to Messi abruptly cutting off communications after being told the move was no longer possible.

“My interest is to tell the truth,” Xavi emphasized, dismissing claims that Jorge Messi’s financial demands or league restrictions were to blame. He further suggested that as long as the current administration is in place, a Messi return remains an impossibility because the president simply “doesn’t want it.” This version of events stands in stark contrast to Laporta’s previous public statements expressing a desire to “fix” the relationship with the club’s greatest-ever player.

Since the collapse of those negotiations, Messi has gone on to find immense success in MLS with Inter Miami, securing multiple trophies and further cementing his legacy.

For Barcelona fans, however, Xavi’s revelation serves as a painful reminder of a lost opportunity, reigniting the debate over Laporta’s leadership and the transparency of the club’s sporting decisions.