In a striking revelation from former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, he claims that Lionel Messi was almost set to return to the club in 2023 after becoming a world champion. According to Xavi in an interview with La Vanguardia, Messi expressed his desire to come back, and negotiations progressed with Messi's father. It is suggested that La Liga had given their approval for the transfer to proceed, indicating serious intent from both the player and the club to rekindle their relationship.

However, the narrative took a turn with the involvement of Barcelona's president Joan Laporta, who allegedly halted the negotiations, contradicting Xavi's claims. Laporta reportedly expressed that bringing Messi back would lead to a 'war' between him and Messi's camp, which he deemed unacceptable. This response raises questions about the internal dynamics and decision-making processes at Barcelona, especially regarding their approach to handling legendary players like Messi, who still holds significant popularity and fan affection among the supporters.

The implications of these revelations highlight the ongoing struggles within the club and the potential impacts on their image and relationship with fans. As Messi flourishes in his career elsewhere, the narrative of what could have been with his return amplifies discussions about leadership, loyalty, and the future of Barcelona's management strategies in retaining or re-acquiring top-level talent.