×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Kenya's Bold Newspaper
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Laporta stopped Messi's Barcelona return to avoid power struggle, Xavi says

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Lionel Messi and Joan Laporta of FC Barcelona after winning the Copa Del Rey Final match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona at Estadio de La Cartuja in Sevilla, Spain, on April 17, 2021. [Jose Luis Contreras/AFP]

Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said the club's president Joan Laporta scuppered the return of all-time great Lionel Messi in 2023 to avoid a power struggle.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner left Barca for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and then two years later moved to MLS side Inter Miami.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Fact-first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
By Stephen Rutto 41 secs ago
Sports
Wanyonyi hoping for good show in Zurich Diamond League meet
Sports
Kenyan athletes set down early marker at Anoca Youth Games
Sports
Mvurya: Our eyes should focus beyond AFCON 2027 title
Sports
Ministry ordered to conduct public participation on sports academies