Rabat – Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has revealed how close the club came to re‑signing Lionel Messi, only for the move to be stopped by the president.
Speaking on Romario’s YouTube channel, Xavi explained that during his time in charge, he tried to bring back several former stars.
He managed to re‑integrate Dani Alves, but efforts to sign Neymar, Pedro, and Messi failed. Neymar and Pedro were ruled out by financial problems, while Messi’s case was different.
“We tried to sign Messi in 2023. We talked for five months, everything was ready, but in the end, the president said no,” Xavi said.
The revelation contrasts with the public narrative that Messi’s move to Inter Miami was purely his decision.
Xavi also reflected on his long friendship with Messi, dating back to the Argentine’s teenage years at La Masia.
He described Messi’s constant hunger for the ball, even in training, and recalled moments when the forward demanded he pass to him more often.
“I first saw Messi when he was 16. I said this is something different. He’s one of the best mates you can have in football. Our relationship is based on trust,” Xavi noted.
He added that Neymar’s early years at Barcelona were the closest he had seen anyone come to Messi’s level.
Lamine Yamal’s rise
Xavi pointed to another legacy of his coaching spell, handing a debut to Lamine Yamal, now regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football.
He described Yamal as “a chosen player” and stressed that his future depends on maintaining focus and ambition.
Xavi admitted his exit from Barcelona was shaped more by internal friction than results. Despite leaving, he praised current coach Hansi Flick, saying the foundations laid during his tenure have helped the team’s new generation, including Yamal, Gavi, Pedri, and Kounde, mature into a squad capable of competing for years.
