Spanish coach Xavi Hernández has disclosed that former Barcelona President Joan Laporta prevented Lionel Messi from rejoining the club.

According to him, an agreement had been reached with the Argentine star regarding salary and other financial details, but the move was halted by the club president.

The former Barcelona coach denied allegations that La Liga blocked the transfer due to the club’s financial crisis or that Messi’s father demanded a larger financial package.

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“Leo Messi is never returning to Barcelona simply because Laporta doesn’t want that. It’s not because of La Liga or Jorge Messi asking for money, that’s all a lie. It’s Laporta who is telling his camp that the club can’t afford him,” Xavi told La Vanguardia.

The Spanish legend further revealed that Laporta told him that bringing Messi back to the team would not improve Barcelona’s financial situation.

“Laporta told me that if Leo came back, there would be a wage war and he couldn't afford that”, told La Vanguardia.

SB/JE

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