With the upcoming Barcelona presidential election, drama has taken a new turn as one of the two candidates running against incumbent Joan Laporta has stirred fresh controversy. Victor Font has urged Lionel Messi to respond to recent comments by former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez.
Victor Font urged Lionel Messi to tell the truth about his failed Barcelona return. (Getty Images)
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Xavi, a former teammate of Messi, revealed that Messi was set to return to Barcelona in 2023, but Laporta blocked the move. Since then, Laporta has claimed that Messi wanted to stay out of the spotlight and signed with Inter Miami.
But Font feels that Messi did want to return to Spain, but Laporta blocked the move. "I don't think Messi will say anything between now and Sunday, but I hope he does."
"I hope he tells the truth so that the socis don't go to the polls misled by Laporta and blinded by the smoke screen of hope generated by Hansi Flick and the young players."
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In his comments, Xavi also suggested that Laporta wanted to avoid any potential clashes with Messi, which led to him blocking the move.
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In his comments, Xavi also suggested that Laporta wanted to avoid any potential clashes with Messi, which led to him blocking the move.
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"Leo was signed, in January 2023 after winning the World Cup, we got in touch and he told me he wanted to come back," Xavi said.
"We had the green light from La Liga (financially), but it was the president who threw it away.
"Laporta told me, word for word, that if Leo came back he was going to wage war against him and that he couldn't allow that. And then suddenly Leo stopped answering my calls because he'd been told that it couldn't be done," he added.
Meanwhile, Laporta has suggested that Xavi's comments stem from his bitterness regarding his departure. At a presidential debate, he said, "With Xavi I saw we were going to lose and with (current coach Hansi) Flick that we will win."
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"I understand that (Xavi) is hurt - with the same players Flick wins."
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Sports/Football/Lionel Messi urged to 'tell the truth' on blocked Barcelona return ahead of presidential election: ‘Misled by Laporta’
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