Xavi Hernandez responds after scathing Joan Laporta attack – “With the truth…”
The Barcelona presidential race has reached a fever pitch this week, with former player and manager Xavi Hernandez central to the escalating tensions. Xavi recently made waves by asserting that current president Joan Laporta, who is favored for re-election this weekend, vetoed Lionel Messi's potential return to the club in the summer of 2023.
Xavi further alleged that Laporta mishandled his dismissal 12 months later, a decision made only weeks after he had been persuaded to withdraw his resignation at the end of the 2023-24 season. Laporta swiftly countered these claims, accusing the Barcelona icon of harboring a grudge against him.
As part of his robust defense, Laporta denied any sabotage of Messi's return, maintaining that La Liga had not granted the necessary approval for such a deal. In a public response, Xavi appeared to address these developments on social media, as reported by Marca, stating: "With the truth in front of me, always! With Barça in our hearts, always! Long live Barça!"
Xavi's Remarks Could Influence Barcelona Election Outcome
These impactful statements from Xavi, a figure still highly revered among Barcelona members despite a challenging end to his managerial tenure, carry significant weight. Coming less than a week before Sunday’s critical vote, his claims—particularly regarding Laporta's alleged blocking of Messi's re-signing—are likely to be fresh in the minds of those heading to the polls. This could have a substantial bearing on who emerges as the Catalan club's next president.
While Laporta continues to appear as the favorite to secure a fourth mandate, Xavi’s comments, alongside his implicit backing of candidate Victor Font, could potentially sway the vote and make for a much closer contest this weekend.
Fresh materials — Football
Mikel Oyarzabal: Real Sociedad Owes a Lot to Pellegrino Matarazzo
Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal has expressed the squad's deep gratitude towards manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, crediting him with guiding the Txuri-Urdin back to the Copa del Rey final after a six-year absence. Oyarzabal is one of the few players who were part of the victorious 2021 squa
Real Sociedad Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo Discusses Copa del Rey Final and Team Readiness
Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo conveyed a confident outlook ahead of his team's Copa del Rey final clash against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. La Real are aiming to secure the trophy for the second time in five years, having last won it in 2021. The team has been a notable performer
Copa del Rey Final: Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad - Predicted Lineups
The Copa del Rey final is set to take place at 21:00 CEST in Seville's La Cartuja stadium, featuring a clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad. Both teams are eager to secure silverware, marking their first major trophy in five years. Los Colchoneros are making their return to the Copa
Barcelona Statistics Give Atletico Madrid the Edge in Champions League Decider
Despite optimism from Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and manager Hansi Flick about a potential comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night at the Metropolitano, current season statistics suggest a more formidable challenge than initially perceived. The
Andoni Iraola to Depart Bournemouth, Athletic Club Among Potential Destinations
Andoni Iraola, the former manager of Rayo Vallecano, is reportedly set to leave his position at Bournemouth at the end of the current season. The Basque manager has emerged as a prominent candidate to fill the anticipated managerial vacancy at his former club, Athletic Club, following Ernesto
Barcelona Legal Team Reviews UEFA Decision Amidst Atletico President's Dismissal of Pitch Concerns
Barcelona's acting president, Rafael Yuste, confirmed that the club's legal department is analyzing UEFA's decision to dismiss their complaint concerning a controversial non-penalty call during the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid. The Catalan club had l