Xavi reveals who stopped Messi from returning to Barcelona in 2022

Xavi Reveals Why Lionel Messi’s Barcelona Return Never Happened

Former Xavi Hernández has shed new light on one of football’s biggest “what-if” stories why Lionel Messi never made a sensational return to FC Barcelona after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In a revealing interview with La Vanguardia, the former Barcelona manager claimed that Messi’s comeback to the club was far closer to reality than fans were led to believe. According to Xavi, the move was essentially agreed upon following Argentina’s historic triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup but it was ultimately blocked by club president Joan Laporta.

“It Was a Done Deal”

Xavi disclosed that the groundwork for Messi’s return to Camp Nou had already been laid after the World Cup. With the player open to the move and approval reportedly secured from La Liga, the reunion seemed inevitable.

“Leo Messi back to Barcelona was a done deal after that World Cup won by Argentina. It was done,” Xavi said. “We also had La Liga’s green light and Messi wanted to return… but Laporta stopped the signing.”

The statement contradicts the narrative that financial regulations from La Liga were the main barrier preventing Barcelona from re-signing their legendary forward.

Concerns Over Wages and Dressing Room Balance

According to Xavi, Laporta’s hesitation centered on potential consequences within the club’s wage structure and dressing room dynamics.

The Barcelona president reportedly feared that bringing Messi back could trigger internal salary disputes among players, placing additional pressure on the club’s already fragile financial situation.

“Laporta told me that if Leo came back, there would be a wage war and he couldn't afford that,” Xavi explained.

Rejecting the Financial Fair Play Narrative

Xavi also dismissed claims that Messi’s camp, led by his father Jorge Messi, demanded excessive wages that complicated negotiations.

Instead, the former coach suggested that references to financial fair play limitations were largely used as a public explanation for a decision that had already been made internally.

“It’s not because of La Liga or Jorge Messi asking for money that’s all a lie,” Xavi said. “It’s Laporta who is telling his camp that the club can’t afford him.”

A Lost “Last Dance” at Camp Nou

For many supporters of FC Barcelona, the possibility of Messi returning for one final chapter at the club—often described as a “Last Dance” remains an emotional topic. The Argentine legend, who spent over two decades at Barcelona and became the club’s greatest player, left in 2021 amid financial turmoil.

Xavi’s comments now suggest that the dream reunion may have been less about financial impossibility and more about a strategic decision from the club’s leadership to avoid internal instability.

While the debate among fans is likely to continue, the revelation adds a new dimension to one of the most controversial moments in Barcelona’s recent history.