Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona falling through is drawing renewed controversy. After revelations by former coach Xavi Hernández, reports have come out that people close to Messi backed those claims, increasing the fallout.
Spain's Cadena SER reported on the 9th (Korea time) that people close to Messi conveyed the same position regarding the reasons Xavi revealed for Messi's failed return. The outlet explained that those around Messi confirmed that Xavi's remarks were true.
The controversy started with remarks Xavi recently made publicly. He said that after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Messi could have returned to Barcelona, but the deal fell through because of a decision by club president Joan Laporta.
Xavi provided specific details about the situation at the time. He said, "The president is not telling the truth about that matter. Messi was already in a position to sign. After the World Cup victory we contacted him, and Messi was excited to come back. I felt that too."
He went on to emphasize that negotiations had progressed significantly. Xavi said, "We talked until March. I told Messi, 'If you're OK, I will tell the president.' The president began negotiations with Messi's father. We even obtained LaLiga approval. But the one who threw everything away was the president."
In the end, the return project collapsed at the last minute. Xavi claimed that Laporta did not want Messi to return.
He said, "Did he explain why? Laporta told me, 'If Messi returns, he will go to war with me. So I cannot allow it.' And suddenly Messi stopped answering my calls."
He added that the contract was practically completed. Xavi said, "Because we were told from the other side that this contract was impossible. I called Messi's father and said, 'This can't happen.' He told me, 'Talk to the president.' We talked with Messi for five months. It was a contract that was practically finished."
Xavi also predicted that Messi's return to Barcelona would remain difficult going forward. He said, "Messi will never return to Barcelona. Because Laporta doesn't want it. This is not because of LaLiga or because Messi's father demanded money. Those are all lies. Laporta tells Messi's side, 'The club cannot afford it.'"
After those remarks the controversy grew further. Cadena SER reported that people close to Messi acknowledged Xavi's claims as true.
The outlet said, "Xavi's remarks were corroborated by people close to Messi. In fact, Laporta overturned the signing of Messi, which had already been agreed."
It added that Messi's side also conveyed that more undisclosed details remain. The outlet reported, "What Messi's side is conveying is, 'The truth is already coming out bit by bit, and there is still more left.' Messi also believes Xavi's account is correct. According to what his close associates convey, that is the case."
[OSEN]