By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
The camp of Lionel Messi has reportedly supported the explosive claims made by former FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández regarding the collapse of the Argentine star’s proposed return to the club in 2023.
According to reports following Xavi’s interview with La Vanguardia, individuals close to Messi believe the former Barcelona manager’s account accurately reflects what happened during negotiations for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to return to Camp Nou.
Sources linked to Messi’s entourage suggested that the “truth is slowly coming out,” hinting that further details about the failed move could still emerge.
“The truth is coming out little by little, and there is still more to be revealed,” figures close to the player reportedly said after Xavi’s comments circulated publicly.
The response follows Xavi’s claim that Messi’s return had effectively been agreed after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when the Argentine captain led Argentina national football team to victory in Qatar.
In the interview, Xavi insisted the deal had progressed significantly and even had financial approval from La Liga, but alleged that Barcelona president Joan Laporta ultimately halted the move.
Messi’s representatives reportedly maintain that the forward made major concessions in an effort to return to Barcelona, something they say has happened more than once.
According to people close to the player, Messi had previously agreed to dramatically reduce his salary in 2021 in order to remain at the club before that deal also collapsed amid Barcelona’s financial crisis.
The same sources now claim the forward again did “everything that was asked of him” to facilitate a return in 2023, before the move was abandoned at the club leadership level.
Messi eventually chose to join Inter Miami CF after leaving Paris Saint‑Germain F.C., bringing an end to speculation about a second spell at Barcelona.
Despite the growing public debate sparked by Xavi’s revelations, Messi himself has not publicly commented on the matter.
For now, the Argentine legend has remained silent while the controversy surrounding his aborted Barcelona return continues to unfold, with those close to him suggesting the full story has yet to be told.