Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has opened up on why football legend Lionel Messi never made the dream return to Camp Nou after leaving the club in 2021.
Xavi revealed that Barcelona had indeed planned a sensational reunion with the Argentine superstar following his 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
According to the former coach, talks between Messi and the club were actively underway in 2023, with both sides eager to make it happen.
The move promised to be an emotional homecoming for the club’s all-time leading scorer, who spent over two decades at Camp Nou and became the face of an era.
“I wanted Leo Messi to return more than anything… even today, I think he would help Barça to score goals and provide final passes. He is going to play in a World Cup again! Leo would succeed again at Camp Nou. It was his wish and mine back in 2023. But for a time I couldn’t communicate with him, and that was because of the people currently running the club… Laporta’s board,” Xavi said.
Despite mutual interest, Xavi explained that the reunion ultimately fell apart due to internal concerns. Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly opted not to complete the transfer, fearing that bringing Messi back could stir tensions or complicate matters during a delicate period of rebuilding for the club.
With Barcelona out of the picture, Messi instead embarked on a new chapter in the United States with Inter Miami CF, leaving fans to ponder what might have been had one of football’s greatest ever players returned to the club where he built his historic legacy.