The inside story of Lionel Messi’s failed Barcelona return in 2023 – report

Ever since Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona in a heartbreaking manner back in 2021, reports of a return to the Catalan club have never been far away.

In fact, a move appeared to be very much on the cards when the Argentine megastar’s contract with PSG expired in 2023.

Talks were held, options explored, but in the end, Messi ended up signing for Inter Miami instead.

Now, a report from SPORT has shed light on why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s return did not materialise in 2023.

It all started in January 2023, when Xavi Hernandez received an unexpected call from Messi. The Argentina captain told the then-Barcelona manager that he had made a final decision and wanted to return.

Messi said he felt excited, ready to come back two years after leaving for PSG and convinced that his last European chapter should be played at the club of his life.

Xavi saw this as a historic opportunity. He believed his team, which would go on to win La Liga months later, could take an enormous competitive leap with his former teammate. He also saw space for an older but still decisive Messi.

Over the following months, Xavi and Messi spoke every 10 to 15 days. They exchanged ideas, adjusted roles and reached a complete agreement. The Argentine accepted a different role, aware that he was no longer the 20-year-old who could decide everything alone.

Xavi was pushing for Messi’s return. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

For both, the fit was clear. Barcelona would bring back its greatest legend in a different capacity, but still with a real impact on the pitch.

In February 2023, Messi went further and invited Xavi to speak with Jorge Messi to accelerate the operation. The coach informed Joan Laporta, and the president reacted with excitement. He saw Messi’s return as a chance to close the wound from 2021.

In April came the message that seemed decisive. Before a training session, Mateu Alemany, director of football, approached Xavi and informed him that La Liga had given the OK for the operation and everything was on track.

The contract was even drafted – A two-year agreement, practically closed and awaiting final adjustments. Then the script broke abruptly.

Days later, Jorge Messi called Xavi with a devastating update: “They tell me it is not going to happen, that La Liga does not give the approval.”

The operation stopped instantly. Barcelona changed their position, and all certainties and guarantees vanished.

Messi, tired of waiting and of the constant uncertainty, accepted the offer from Inter Miami, where he recently signed a new contract, which pretty much rules out his return to Barcelona in a playing capacity before his retirement.