Xavi has shared that Lionel Messi stopped communicating with him after Barcelona’s unsuccessful attempt to bring the legendary player back in 2023.
The former Barcelona star was rumored to return after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, especially following Argentina’s World Cup victory. However, despite positive talks initially, the transfer fell through at the last moment, leading to Messi’s frustration and a strained relationship with Xavi.
Xavi says failed Messi return to Barcelona ‘greatly affected’ their relationship
Photo by ESTEBAN VEGA LA-ROTTA / AFP via Getty Images
Xavi explained that the failure of Messi’s return caused tension between them, as Messi thought the coach may have played a part in blocking the move. “This greatly affected my relationship with Leo. We talked, and we have a good relationship now, but he thought I deceived him. That was not the case,” Xavi said.
He added, “I genuinely wanted Leo to come back to the club. He knows this now, but there was a time when I couldn’t reach him. It was unfortunate, but it’s also the responsibility of those making decisions at the club.”
Xavi mentioned that Barcelona president Joan Laporta decided against the deal late in discussions due to worries about Messi’s influence within the club beyond just his performance on the field.
What happened to Lionel Messi after Barcelona’s 2023 return collapsed
Messi eventually left Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in July 2023 and chose to start a new chapter in Major League Soccer.
The Argentine signed with Inter Miami, rejecting other offers to join the club’s ambitious project.
Messi’s arrival significantly boosted the club’s global reputation and contributed to the growth of MLS, marking a different journey than the Barcelona return that had seemed likely.