🚨 Xavi: “Leo Messi back to Barcelona was a done deal after that World Cup won by Argentina. It w...
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About the Creator
Fabrizio Romano is a renowned Italian football journalist known for his reliable transfer news updates, often using his signature 'Here we go' phrase to confirm deals. He boasts millions of followers on X (formerly Twitter) and is considered one of the most credible sources in soccer reporting due to his direct connections with clubs, agents, and players. His style is concise, breaking-news oriented, and focused on insider scoops.
What's This About?
The post quotes Barcelona legend Xavi Hernández claiming that Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona in 2023 was a 'done deal' following Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, with La Liga's approval and Messi's desire to join. However, club president Joan Laporta allegedly halted the move to avoid a potential wage war among players that the financially strained club couldn't afford. This revelation, shared via La Vanguardia, reignites debates on Barcelona's finances, Messi's emotional ties to the club, and internal power dynamics post-Messi's emotional 2021 departure.
🔥Why It's Trending
This bombshell quote from Xavi directly accuses Laporta of blocking Messi's return, sparking heated fan debates and dividing loyalties between club icons just before major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Its timing aligns with ongoing speculation about Messi's future amid Inter Miami rumors and Barcelona's resurgent form under new management. The controversy has exploded on social media, fueling Messi nostalgia and criticism of Barcelona's leadership.
💡Fun Facts
- 1Messi left Barcelona in 2021 in tears due to La Liga's salary cap rules, despite wanting to stay.
- 2Argentina's 2022 World Cup win was Messi's crowning achievement, boosting rumors of a Barcelona homecoming.
- 3Xavi, Messi's former teammate and coach, now says the deal was finalized in January 2023.
- 4Barcelona won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copas del Rey, and 4 Champions Leagues during Messi's tenure.
- 5Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in MLS after a stint at PSG.
📚Read More
Xavi says Barcelona
Lionel Messi
Xavi Claims Messi’s Barcelona Return Was ‘Done’ Before Laporta Pulled Plug - CMSports
Former FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has claimed that the club had already secured an agreement to bring Lionel Messi back to Barcelona in 2023 before the deal was abruptly halted by club president Joan Laporta.
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Duke has won 22 straight games when scoring at least 49 points in the 1st half. Last loss when scoring 49 in 1st half? Feb. 2009 vs UNC.
https://www.goal.com/en/news/xavi-messi-barcelona-return-blocked-laporta/blt1234567890abcdef
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5678901/2026/03/09/xavi-messi-barca/
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