Former Xavi Hernández has opened up about the circumstances surrounding Lionel Messi’s failed return to FC Barcelona and the events that eventually led to his own departure from the club.
According to Xavi, Barcelona president Joan Laporta privately made it clear that he was unwilling to allow Messi to rejoin the club. Xavi said Laporta told him directly that Messi’s return would create serious conflict.
The former Barcelona manager explained that Messi eventually stopped responding to his calls after being informed that a reunion with the club was no longer possible. Xavi insisted that the public explanation given at the time — which cited financial restrictions from La Liga and alleged demands from Messi’s father, Jorge Messi — did not reflect the true situation.
He maintained that Messi’s comeback never happened simply because the club’s president opposed the idea.
Xavi also reflected on his relationship with Laporta, noting that it was once strong and that the president played a key role in bringing him back to Barcelona as head coach. However, he said the relationship later deteriorated and expressed disappointment over how things ended.
The former midfielder further suggested that businessman Alejandro Echevarría had significant behind-the-scenes influence in the decision that led to his dismissal, claiming the president may have been swayed by him.
Despite the tension surrounding his exit, Xavi had kind words for current Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. He revealed that Flick personally visited his home to apologize after discovering that the club had been in discussions with him while Xavi was still in charge. The meeting lasted more than two hours, and the two continue to stay in touch and talk about football.
Looking ahead, Xavi suggested that his time with Barcelona may truly be over. After a successful spell with the club both as a player and coach, he believes he has already completed his journey there and may not return in the future.