MainSport

Xavi: Messi did not return to Barcelona because the club was not ready.

Former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez revealed the reason why Lionel Messi's return to the club did not materialize.

Image of 'Xavi: Messi did not return to Barcelona because the club was not ready.'

According to Xavi, Messi was very close to returning to Barcelona after the 2022 World Cup, and La Liga had also given permission. However, club president Joan Laporta stopped the transfer. As Xavi emphasized, if Messi returned, major problems regarding salaries could arise, and the club was not prepared for that.

"Various rumors about Messi not returning are not true. It is not related to La Liga's demands or his father asking for more money. In fact, it's all because Laporta said the club was not ready," said Xavi.

That transfer window, Messi did not return to Barcelona and instead moved to Inter Miami.

    Follow us on social networks

    Other news

    Image of 'The Uzbekistan women's national team lost to China with a score of 0:3.'

    Sport 06.03.2026 14:01

    The Uzbekistan women's national team lost to China with a score of 0:3.

    The Uzbekistan women's national football team suffered a heavy defeat to China in the AFC Asian Cup Group 2.

    Image of '"Inter Miami" football players went to the White House.'

    Sport 06.03.2026 07:07

    "Inter Miami" football players went to the White House.

    The "Inter Miami" team, winner of the MLS Cup—2025, was received at the White House at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump.

    Image of 'Mbappe and Bellingham left Spain for treatment.'

    Sport 05.03.2026 15:23

    Mbappe and Bellingham left Spain for treatment.

    Real Madrid football players were sent to Paris and London for additional examination.

    Image of 'Could the war in Iran have a negative impact on the World Cup?'

    Sport 01.03.2026 05:09

    Could the war in Iran have a negative impact on the World Cup?

    The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, spoke about the national team being under scrutiny for its participation in the 2026 World Cup.

    Image of 'Bellingham may leave the squad for the World Championship.'

    Sport 28.02.2026 11:47

    Bellingham may leave the squad for the World Championship.

    In the current season, Bellingham scored 14 goals and provided 9 assists in 34 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid.

    Image of 'Camilla Rakhimova defeated the world's 65th racket.'

    Sport 24.02.2026 10:12

    Camilla Rakhimova defeated the world's 65th racket.

    Uzbekistan's top-ranked tennis player Kamilla Rakhimova started the WTA 250 ATX Open tournament being held in the US state of Texas with a victory.