Treason, Laporta revealed the first player Xavi asked for Barça and it's not Messi

After two years in which he was unhappy at Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi decided not to renew his contract in France and look for a new club. His intention was to return to Barcelona, where he lived for more than 20 years and won the hearts of fans all over the world with his goals, assists and dribbles. There he won 4 Champions League titles and became the player with the most games and goals in the club's history.

However, negotiations were unsuccessful and the Argentine forward chose to sign with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer. The explanation given by Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, is that they could not assure Messi that the side would be able to sign him due to the financial problems they have been going through for years. Before that, La Liga had to approve the viability plan and the total amount of the squad's salaries had to be reduced. This explanation did not convince everyone. Many fans of the Spanish club believe that Laporta and Xavi did not do everything possible for Leo to return to Catalonia.

And now that idea seems to have been confirmed. The president of Los Blaugranas gave a press conference during the presentation of Ilkay Gundogan and said: "It is a signing that has been simmering because he had many offers. It was the first name that Xavi asked us for and we have been working to bring him in for months. Finally, Gundogan has decided to join Barça and it is a signing that strengthens our sporting and institutional strength".

Thus it is clear that coach Xavi Hernandez had other priorities before Messi, so he did not make all the necessary effort to have him back in the team.

They are excited about Ilkay Gundogan

Laporta believes the German midfielder will be a key part of the lineup and will raise Barcelona's level: "With signings like Gundogan we will surely compete in Europe. We must be one of the candidates to win the Champions League".