La Liga president Javier Tebas has cleared Barcelona president Joan Laporta of accusations that he blocked Lionel Messi’s transfer to the Catalan club in 2023.
Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez made scathing remarks against Laporta, asserting that Messi had agreed to return to Barça after his time at Paris Saint-Germain, but that the president prevented it.
Xavi claimed that Barcelona had received the green light from La Liga to complete the deal, emphasizing that the financial situation wasn’t the obstacle, but rather that Laporta himself did everything to sabotage Messi’s return.
When asked if La Liga had given the green light for the transfer, Tebas categorically denied it.
“This is absolutely untrue,” Tebas told the media. “La Liga has not said anything at all, and has not given any approval regarding this matter.”
Laporta had mocked Xavi, suggesting that the attacks against him stemmed from Hansi Flick’s success with Barcelona using the same players with whom his predecessor had failed.
The Barcelona elections will be held next week, and Laporta is competing against Victor Font, who enjoys strong support from Xavi.
