Laporta Defends Echevarria, Downplays Messi's Non-Return Amidst Xavi's Claims

Barcelona President Joan Laporta has spoken out in defense of advisor Alejandro Echevarria and offered his perspective on Lionel Messi's unsuccessful return to the club in 2023. This comes after former manager Xavi Hernandez suggested in a recent interview that Laporta intentionally obstructed Messi's reunion with the Catalan giants.

During an election debate, Laporta dismissed Xavi's comments as potentially stemming from resentment, noting Hansi Flick's current success. Later, in an interview with Cadena Cope, Laporta asserted that the decision not to return was ultimately Messi's own.

“What truly disappoints me is Mr. Font’s decision to involve a Barcelona icon like Xavi. I’m perplexed by Xavi’s statements regarding Messi. Following his time at PSG, a return seemed plausible; I presented him with a contract proposal. He visited my home and informed me they had opted for Miami instead. That was the extent of it. Bringing this topic up now only serves to complicate the ongoing elections,” Laporta explained.

Laporta Undeterred by Potential Messi Explanation

To date, Messi has been somewhat reserved about the specifics of his return talks, confirming discussions but mentioning the club's need to offload players for the deal to materialize. La Liga President Javier Tebas maintained that the league's salary cap regulations would not have permitted Messi's return, a stance that diverges from Laporta's account.

“We were barely meeting the financial fair play criteria. The contract was sent to Jorge (Messi's father), and while awaiting a reply, May arrived. By the end of the month, he communicated their choice to join Inter Miami. That's how it concluded. I have no apprehension about Messi or Jorge speaking out; I am confident they would corroborate my version of events. We have always maintained mutual understanding, and I don't believe the narrative would shift. Our focus remains on what truly matters to Barca fans – selecting the right leadership for the next five years. Xavi’s involvement in this matter provides no constructive contribution.”

Alejandro Echevarria Hailed as 'One of the Best People I Know'

Another focal point of Xavi's recent interview was the influential role of advisor Alejandro Echevarria. Echevarria, who was part of Laporta’s initial board, resigned in 2005 after his affiliation with the Francisco Franco Foundation became public. Despite having no official title, he has since returned to an advisory capacity under Laporta's current tenure.

Laporta staunchly defended Echevarria: “Alejandro works diligently for the club; his trustworthiness is absolute, particularly concerning matters with the RFEF and La Liga. He consistently strives to maintain harmony within the dressing room. He is, without a doubt, one of the finest individuals I know – intelligent, courageous, and principled. He embodies these qualities. I have Masip, and Alejandro. Some individuals are compensated, but Alejandro, for instance, volunteers his time. He has his own professional life and is exempt from formal remuneration. I’ve previously had advisors like Johan, who was my idol, and we shared an excellent working relationship.”

The former Blaugrana midfielder, Xavi, alleged that Echevarria, Laporta’s ex-brother-in-law, wields significant control, comparable to the president himself, and implied Echevarria orchestrated his dismissal.

“This is not about who is in charge. It is my responsibility to lead, and I do so willingly, making decisions after carefully considering various opinions. Their intention is to cause harm; it's a deliberate attempt to undermine me by targeting someone else. It's contemptible because, if we look at how Xavi's services were ultimately concluded, Yuste and Alejandro were initially his most ardent supporters. They stood by him through incredibly difficult times. We eventually concluded that things were no longer functioning. I had to be the one to communicate the end of his term. I did so with a heavy heart; I deeply appreciate Xavi, and my respect remains. If I were to encounter him, I would seek to understand the motivation behind his recent actions.”

The Barcelona presidential elections are scheduled for this Sunday, where either Victor Font or Joan Laporta will be elected for a five-year term. Laporta is seeking his fourth mandate as club president.