For the first time, Xavi has addressed statements made by Lionel Messi’s older brother Matias earlier this week. The Argentine made a startling attack against Barcelona, and in particular club president Joan Laporta, but then offered an apology. Xavi was anxious to minimize the circumstances....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
“If he expressed regret, that’s all. I am familiar with the family, and they are gracious folks. You apologize when you are in error. When I was mistaken, I was also the first to make the correction. You’re under no obligation to give it more weight.
Despite Matias’ apologies, the incident is still likely to leave many Barcelona supporters and club executives with a bad taste in their mouths.
In a weird outburst on Twitch earlier this week, Matias Messi stated that his brother, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, would not be returning to Barcelona anytime soon.
Additionally, he declared that as part of a “good cleaning” in the boardroom, if the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner ever made a comeback to Camp Nou, he would make sure to “throw out Laporta.”
After receiving criticism online, Matias reversed course and apologized to Barcelona on Instagram, a club he had also stated “no one knew about” prior to his brother joining the team in 2004.
Meanwhile, while Real Madrid will not be taking part in league action until Wednesday due to their participation in the Club World Cup, Barcelona is preparing for the encounter against Villarreal on Sunday where a victory may see them move 11 points clear at the top of La Liga.
