The race for the presidency of Barcelona has reached its peak this week, with former player and former coach of the club, Xavi Hernandez, at the center of the debate.
He has stated that Joan Laporta, who is considered the favorite to be re-elected in this weekend’s vote, had vetoed Lionel Messi’s return to the club in the summer of 2023.
According to Xavi, Laporta also did not support him properly regarding his dismissal a year later.
The former Barcelona coach stressed that he had been convinced not to resign at the end of the 2023/24 season, but just a few weeks later he was dismissed from his post.
Laporta reacted a day after Xavi’s statements were published, accusing the Barcelona icon of holding a personal grudge against him.
In his reaction, the current president categorically denied that he had sabotaged Messi’s return, arguing that La Liga had not given the green light for the deal to go through.
Meanwhile, Xavi seems to have reacted again through a post on social media, as reported by Marca.
“Always with the truth ahead! With Barça in our hearts, always! Long live Barça!” he wrote.
Xavi’s statements could influence the elections
The fact that Xavi, who continues to be highly respected by Barcelona members despite the poor end of his tenure as coach, has publicly stated that Laporta decided not to bring Messi back is a strong accusation.
Given that these statements were made just a few days before Sunday’s vote, they could significantly influence the opinions of voters who will participate in the elections.
It remains to be seen how the voting will end this weekend.
Laporta continues to be seen as the favourite to secure a fourth term at the helm of the Catalan club, but Xavi’s comments could be a significant boost for the other candidate, Victor Font, whom the former Barcelona coach supports in this race.