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Originally published by Standard Sportssports
March 9, 2026
8h ago
Laporta stopped Messi's Barcelona return to avoid power struggle, Xavi says
Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said the club's president Joan Laporta scuppered the return of all-time great Lionel Messi in 2023 to avoid a power struggle...
✨ Key Highlights
Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez claims club president Joan Laporta blocked Lionel Messi's return to the club in 2023 to prevent a power struggle.
- According to Xavi, Laporta stated that Messi's return would lead to war against him.
- The alleged incident occurred after Messi had won the World Cup and had agreed to return.
- Laporta, however, claims that Messi's father informed him the superstar had decided not to come back due to anticipated pressure.
- Laporta also mentioned that Barcelona rejected a €250 million offer from PSG for Lamine Yamal.
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