Xavi Hernández took over as FC Barcelona manager in November 2021 and stayed in charge until June 2024. He arrived at a club going through a difficult reset period, both financially and on the pitch, after years of instability and the emotional departure of Lionel Messi. During this entire phase, the club was led by president Joan Laporta, who had returned to the presidency in March 2021 and played a major role in shaping the direction of the team and its rebuilding plan.
From the start, Xavi’s goal was to restore Barcelona’s identity by mixing young talent with experienced players who understood the club’s culture. He openly admitted that he wanted to bring back familiar faces to help the transition. Dani Alves did return under his management, while other ambitious ideas were explored as well. However, financial restrictions kept limiting what was possible in the transfer market, forcing the club to rethink several targets and adjust expectations.
The Lionel Messi return that didn’t happen
One of the most talked-about aspects of Xavi’s tenure is what happened with Lionel Messi. After leaving in 2021, there was always speculation about a possible return, especially once Barcelona started stabilising again. Xavi confirmed he pushed for the idea internally and even discussed the possibility of bringing several former stars back.
He said, “As Barça manager I brought back Dani Alves… and tried to bring Neymar, Pedro and Messi back as well.” He also pointed out that financial issues made some of those plans impossible, adding, “Pedro and Neymar couldn’t be signed because of the economic situation.” The most striking part of his statement, however, was about Messi. According to Xavi, “for Leo Messi, the president Laporta didn’t want him back,” suggesting that the final decision did not move forward from the top level of the club.
🚨 Xavi: “As Barça manager I brought back Dani Alves… and tried to bring Neymar, Pedro and Messi back as well”.
“Pedro and Neymar couldn't be signed
because of the economic situation”.“For Leo Messi, the president Laporta didn't want him back”, told @RomarioOnze. pic.twitter.com/l47FKkyywi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 27, 2026
This highlights the key reality of Barcelona during that period. Even when there was sporting interest in a reunion, the final call rested with Joan Laporta and his broader strategy for the club’s recovery. Emotional decisions had to be weighed against financial stability and long-term planning.
Xavi’s time between 2021 and 2024 reflects that tension clearly. It was a period where nostalgia met reality, and where even the idea of Messi returning ultimately remained just an idea.
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