Tebas Refutes Xavi: "La Liga Did Not Authorize Messi's Return to Barcelona in 2023"
T.E (Elbotola)
09 March 2026at17:55
La Liga president Javier Tebas has denied claims made by former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández regarding the league's authorization for Lionel Messi's return to the Catalan club and his registration in their squad in 2023.
Tebas told Spanish channel TVE: "That is not true. La Liga did not authorize anything and did not give any approval."
Xavi had previously stated to La Vanguardia newspaper: "Lionel did not return to Barcelona because the president did not want him. He started negotiating with Lionel's father, and we obtained La Liga's approval, but the president ultimately rejected everything."
For his part, Laporta responded to Xavi's attack ahead of the presidential elections he will contest, saying: "Xavi feels pain because Flick is winning with the same players he had and was losing with."
What did La Liga president Javier Tebas say about Lionel Messi's potential return to Barcelona?
La Liga president Javier Tebas stated that the league did not authorize or approve Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona in 2023. He directly refuted claims made by former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández regarding the league's involvement in the transfer process.
Why did Javier Tebas deny Xavi Hernández's claims about Lionel Messi's Barcelona return?
Javier Tebas denied Xavi Hernández's claims because Xavi had previously stated that La Liga's approval for Lionel Messi's return was obtained, but the club president ultimately rejected it. Tebas directly contradicted this account, asserting no authorization was given.
How did Joan Laporta respond to Xavi Hernández's comments about Lionel Messi's failed return?
Joan Laporta responded to Xavi Hernández's comments by suggesting Xavi felt pain because his successor is winning with the same players Xavi had. Laporta's remarks came ahead of the presidential elections, adding to the club drama.
