Could Lionel Messi have stayed at Barcelona? Xavier Vilajoana says yes

Xavier Vilajoana: Messi's Barcelona Departure Wasn't Inevitable

The departure of Lionel Messi from FC Barcelona in the summer of 2021 stunned the football world, marking the end of an era at Camp Nou. However, recent comments from Xavier Vilajoana, a former Barcelona director, have reignited the debate over whether the Argentine superstar's exit could have been avoided.

In a recent interview, Vilajoana asserted that Messi's departure was not an unavoidable consequence of the club's financial woes. “There were several options on the table that could have allowed Messi to remain with Barcelona,” Vilajoana stated, challenging the prevailing narrative that the club's hands were tied due to its economic crisis.

Financial Constraints and Contract Negotiations

Barcelona's financial struggles have been well-documented, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating existing issues. The club's wage bill exceeded La Liga's salary cap, making it impossible to register Messi's new contract without significant cuts elsewhere.

However, Vilajoana believes that more could have been done to retain Messi. “We needed to be more creative and proactive in our approach to restructuring contracts and offloading players,” he explained, hinting at missed opportunities in the club's management strategies.

Impact on Barcelona and Messi

Messi's departure led to a significant shift in Barcelona's dynamics, both on and off the pitch. The team struggled to find its footing without its talisman, while Messi himself embarked on a new chapter with Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite his successful transition to Ligue 1, where he has continued to showcase his extraordinary talents, many fans and pundits still ponder what might have been had he stayed in Catalonia. Vilajoana's comments have only fueled this speculation, suggesting that alternative strategies might have altered Barcelona's course.

Looking Ahead

As Barcelona continues its rebuild under the leadership of Xavi Hernandez, the club's focus remains on restoring its former glory. The financial challenges are far from over, but lessons from the past may inform future decisions.

Vilajoana's remarks serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between financial management and footballing success. Whether or not Messi's departure was truly avoidable, the enduring impact of his legacy at Barcelona is undeniable.