La Liga president denies Messi return got 'green light'

La Liga president Javier Tebas has denied that the league authorised Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona in 2023. Speaking on TVE’s Estudio Estadio, he said: "It is not true. La Liga did not authorize absolutely anything nor did it have the OK." The rebuttal directly challenged claims from Xavi Hernandez that bureaucratic hurdles had been cleared and that the move was close to completion.

Xavi said he and Messi spoke for months and that by spring 2023 the sporting aspects were virtually finalised for a "last dance" in Catalonia, but that Joan Laporta vetoed the transfer; the deal collapsed and the forward joined Inter Miami, damaging the relationship between the two men.

Laporta used a presidential election debate to defend his decisions and to critique his former coach, saying he felt "surprised and hurt" by the remarks.

Spain, Barcelona

la liga, javier tebas, lionel messi, xavi hernandez, joan laporta, barcelona, inter miami, transfer, 2023, presidential election