Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021 left a wound in Catalonia that seemed far from healed. Two years later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner came close to returning, only for the plan to collapse
unexpectedly. A new report reveals how the 2023 transfer saga unfolded behind the scenes.
What unfolded behind the scenes shows just how narrowly the homecoming missed reality.
It began on January 6th, 2023, during Epiphany – the Spanish holiday marked by family celebrations and gift-giving. Xavi Hernández, Barcelona’s manager at the time, received an unexpected call. On the other end was Messi, ready to announce a firm decision: he wanted to come home. He told Xavi he felt prepared to return and believed his final European chapter should be played at the club that gave him his footballing education.
Recognizing the potential impact, Xavi immediately began exploring how Messi could fit back into the squad. Over the following months, the pair reportedly spoke regularly, every 10 to 15 days. Messi agreed to a modified role on the pitch, aware that his game had evolved since his twenties. For Xavi, the opportunity couldn’t be more appealing: an older, experienced Messi could still transform the team, which would later go on to win La Liga that season.
By February, Messi involved his father Jorge to help expedite the move. Xavi informed club president Joan Laporta, who saw the potential reunion as a chance to heal the wound left in 2021. In April, optimism grew: director of football Mateu Alemany reportedly told Xavi, “We have good news. La Liga gives the OK and everything is on track.” A two-year contract had even been drafted, waiting for final touches.
Then, the plan collapsed. Jorge Messi reportedly called Xavi with devastating news: “They tell me it is not going to happen, that La Liga does not give the approval.” Barcelona changed its position, citing financial and regulatory challenges, and Messi, weary of the uncertainty, accepted Inter Miami’s offer instead.
This episode marked the second time Barcelona said no to their greatest legend. The first, in 2021, forced Messi to leave for Paris Saint-Germain without a proper farewell, as the club could not afford to extend his contract. Unlike then, 2023’s attempt had advanced much further – agreements in place, a contract drafted, and La Liga approval seemingly granted – before it fell apart at the final hurdle.
Since then, there’s been something of a Cold War between Barcelona’s current president and its best player ever. Messi showed he still had affection for the club with a surprise visit to the Camp Nou, but it’s not clear if this specific rupture will ever be healed.
