Lionel Messi left Barcelona in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain. It was an emotional departure for perhaps the most decorated football player in history.
Since then, almost in every transfer window, rumours emerged of a potential rumour for the Argentina captain.
Several times, the Barcelona president Joan Laporta claimed that it’s unrealistic for the Catalan club to sign their legend back.
At that time, when Messi left, Barcelona’s manager was Ronald Koeman. After the Dutch manager, Xavi Hernandez, took charge of the club.
From his time, rumours became louder of a possible Messi return. However, the Argentine never came back and joined Inter Miami after leaving PSG.
Now, in an interview, Xavi Hernandez opened up about the time when Lionel Messi was close to returning to Barcelona. However, the deal fell through.
The former Barcelona manager revealed some shocking facts around that time. Here is what Xavi said about Messi’s return to Camp Nou (via Fabrizio Romano):
“Leo Messi back to Barcelona was a done deal after that World Cup won by Argentina. It was done.
“We also had La Liga’s green light and Messi wanted to return… but Laporta stopped the signing.
“Laporta told me that if Leo came back, there would be a wage war and he couldn’t afford that.”
Also, there were stories about Messi’s return being stalled due to financial problems. But Xavi had a different opinion about that. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“Leo Messi is never returning to Barcelona simply because Laporta doesn’t want that.
“It not because of La Liga or Jorge Messi is asking for money, that’s all a lie.
“It’s Laporta who is telling his camp that the club can’t afford him.”
With Barcelona’s presidential election approaching, this Xavi Hernandez interview could have a major impact on the overall outcome.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
