‘Barça is run by Echevarría’: Xavi’s explosive rant shakes up Barcelona elections

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has launched a scathing attack on President Joan Laporta, alleging that the club is controlled by advisor Alejandro Echevarría and claiming the president personally blocked a finalized deal for Lionel Messi’s return.

Xavi Hernández has ignited an institutional crisis just a week before Barcelona’s presidential elections, claiming his 2024 sacking was orchestrated by Laporta’s right-hand man, Alejandro Echevarría.

In a bombshell interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi asserted, “That’s how this Barça works; it’s practically run by Alejandro Echevarría.”

He accused Echevarría of sabotaging his relationship with players by falsely claiming Xavi wanted to sell stars like Pedri and Araujo.

The most shocking revelation involved Lionel Messi, with Xavi insisting a 2023 return was “basically done” before Laporta vetoed it to avoid a “power war.”

Xavi stated, “The president told me, word for word, that if Leo came back it would mean war for him.”

Laporta has since hit back, describing the claims as an attempt by rival candidate Víctor Font to “dirty” the electoral process.

This internal warfare comes at a critical moment on the pitch. Hansi Flick’s side traveled to Newcastle today for Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 first leg, facing a defensive emergency.

With Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde both sidelined by hamstring injuries, Flick must reshuffle his backline.

While Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski lead the attack, the club’s political turmoil threatens to overshadow their European ambitions.