"Leo was signed. In January of 2023, after he had won the [2022] World Cup, I spoke to him and he told me he was excited to learn. We spoke until March and I told him: Once you give me the OK, I will tell the president because it works perfectly on a football level. The president negotiated the contract with Leo's dad [Jorge] and we had the green light from LaLiga financially, but it's the president who pulled out."
"He told me that if Messi came back, he would make a war [against Laporta]. My interest is in telling the truth. Leo didn't come because the president didn't want him. It's a lie to say it's because LaLiga [wouldn't allow it financially] or Jorge Messi asked for more money. It was the president and his people who said they could not allow it."
"The president said I wanted to get rid of 10 players and it's not true. I want the club's members to know the truth about what happens inside the club. Laporta convinced me to stay when I wanted to leave, and then he pushed me out."
Xavi, Barcelona's former coach from 2021 to 2024, publicly accused president Joan Laporta of preventing Messi's return to the club. According to Xavi, a deal was negotiated with Messi and his father Jorge following the 2022 World Cup, with LaLiga's financial approval secured. Xavi claims Laporta withdrew from the agreement, fearing Messi's presence would undermine his authority. Xavi stated the president falsely attributed the failed transfer to LaLiga restrictions or financial demands from Messi's family. Xavi also disputed Laporta's claims about his departure, asserting the president misrepresented reasons for his exit and calling for transparency about internal club matters.
Read at www.soccernews.com
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