The Digest:
Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has ruled out any possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the Catalan club, directly blaming president Joan Laporta. In an interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi stated: "Leo Messi is never coming back to Barcelona, because Laporta doesn't want that." He dismissed suggestions that LaLiga blocked the return or that Messi's camp demanded excessive wages. Laporta sanctioned Messi's departure in August 2021 when both sides failed to agree a contract extension, forcing the club legend to leave as a free agent. Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in MLS. Xavi's comments end speculation about a fairytale return for the club's all-time leading scorer.
Key Points
- Xavi directly names Laporta as the obstacle to Messi's return.
- He rejects claims that LaLiga or wage demands prevented the move.
- Messi's 2021 departure was acrimonious, with Laporta unable to register his contract.
- The Argentine now plays for Inter Miami in MLS.
- Xavi's statement closes the door on any potential comeback.
Sources: La Vanguardia Interview
