In a recent interview, Xavi, a former teammate of Lionel Messi, disclosed that there was a well-established plan for Messi's return to Barcelona after the World Cup in 2022. According to Xavi, the arrangements were in place, but the current club president, Joan Laporta, ultimately decided against the move, which strained Xavi's personal relationship with Messi. These developments are particularly poignant given their shared history at Barcelona, where they achieved great success together alongside coach Pep Guardiola and teammate Andrés Iniesta.

Xavi's comments also address the negotiations that took place between Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, and Laporta. Contrary to some rumors that Jorge was seeking more money for Messi's return, Xavi clarified that this was not the case. Messi’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in June 2021 came after Barcelona's financial struggles forced the club to let him go. The discussions about a potential return had sparked significant interest within the media, especially as Messi later transitioned to Inter Miami in mid-2023, further complicating the narrative of his ties to Barcelona.

As Laporta campaigns for re-election as president of Barcelona, the revelation of how he handled Messi’s potential return could impact both his standing among fans and the club's future strategies. Messi remains a revered figure at Barcelona, and the circumstances surrounding his departure and potential return continue to resonate deeply with supporters as they reflect on his legacy and the club's modern challenges in retaining top talent.