Xavi's Claims Receive Backing from Atletico Madrid Director Amid Messi Transfer Controversy
The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's failed return to Barcelona in 2023 has been reignited with former sporting director Mateu Alemany supporting Xavi Hernandez's claims of league approval for the Argentine star's re-signing. This contradicts the official stance of current president Joan Laporta and La Liga chief Javier Tebas, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events.
The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's failed return to Barcelona in 2023 has not yet died down. Former sporting director Mateu Alemany has publicly supported Xavi Hernandez's explosive claims that the club had league approval to re-sign the Argentine star. This directly contradicts the official narrative from incumbent president Joan Laporta and La Liga chief Javier Tebas ahead of the elections.A shocking twist has emerged regarding the failed homecoming of Messi to Barcelona. Former Blaugrana sporting director Alemany, who worked at the club from 2021 to 2023, has come out in firm support of Xavi. Speaking ahead of Atletico Madrid’s Champions League fixture, the current Atletico official confirmed that the legendary midfielder’s version of events is entirely accurate.“Xavi is right, they told us they had it [approval from La Liga],” Alemany stated, directly contradicting the narrative pushed by the current board. The coach had previously ignited the controversy by claiming that Laporta sabotaged a move that was practically finalised, stating they had the "green light" before everything was unexpectedly thrown back.Laporta has moved quickly to dismiss these allegations, framing his former manager as a pawn in a larger political game ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. The president argued that the transfer collapsed because of a lack of communication from the player's camp rather than any boardroom veto.He claimed the coach had allowed himself to be used, noting that while financial plans were being prepared, there was sudden silence from Jorge Messi before they were informed of the decision to join Inter Miami."Regarding Messi, in 2023 I sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who was very polite. And in May he told me it couldn't happen because he would be under too much pressure here and that he preferred to go to Miami. And I told him I respected that,” he said. Tebas has bolstered this defence by insisting that the league never provided the necessary financial clearance, adding that no official request was ever made.With the elections scheduled for March 15, presidential rival Victor Font, who has been backed by Xavi, has utilised the fallout to demand total transparency from the club. Font has suggested that the current administration is hiding behind the sporting success of head coach Hansi Flick and the rise of academy talents to mask their past failings."I think Messi won’t speak out between now and Sunday, but I hope he will," Font said. "Explain the truth – about his departure from the club and his attempt to return to the entity in 2023 – so that the members will not vote deceived and with a smokescreen of the illusion that Hansi Flick and the young people generate for us."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingAs the rhetoric intensifies, the focus in Catalonia remains divided between the boardroom drama and their on-pitch duties under Flick. For the supporters, the chance of a final dance for the Argentine at the stadium is now a matter of historical debate. However, the fallout from that failed operation continues to threaten the stability of the hierarchy with the elections coming up this week.
Xavi's Version Affirmed by Atletico Madrid Director
Former Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany has publicly endorsed Xavi's assertion that the club had received league approval for Lionel Messi's return, contradicting Laporta and Tebas' narrative. Alemany's confirmation adds weight to the claims made by the legendary midfielder, stirring further controversy and intrigue.
Laporta's Defense Against Allegations
In response to Xavi and Alemany's claims, current president Joan Laporta has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Laporta attributed the failed transfer to Messi's camp's lack of communication, portraying Xavi as a pawn in a larger game ahead of the club's upcoming elections. The president presented a different perspective, suggesting that the decision to join Inter Miami was driven by factors beyond the board's control.
Presidential Elections and Calls for Transparency
The timing of the controversy, just weeks before the presidential elections, has brought heightened scrutiny to the current administration. Victor Font, a candidate backed by Xavi, has capitalized on the fallout to demand transparency from the club. Font's plea for truth and accountability indicates a growing rift within the Barcelona hierarchy, with the Messi saga serving as a focal point of contention.
Impact on Barcelona's Footballing Focus
Amidst the off-field drama, Barcelona must navigate their on-pitch obligations under coach Hansi Flick. The continued fallout from Messi's failed return threatens to overshadow the team's performances and disrupt the stability of the club's leadership. Supporters are left to ponder the historical implications of the transfer saga while the impending elections hang like a shadow over the Camp Nou.
