Lionel Messi: “I really wanted to return to Barca”
Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will be joining American club Inter Miami following his departure from French champions Paris St-Germain. Despite receiving a more lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, Messi opted for a move to Miami due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) limitations preventing his return to Barcelona.
In an interview with Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo, Messi stated, “I’ve taken the decision that I am going to Miami. [I decided] to leave Europe.” He acknowledged having offers from another European team but dismissed them since his desire was solely to return to Barcelona in Europe. However, after winning the World Cup and being unable to rejoin his former club, he saw Major League Soccer (MLS) as an opportunity to experience football in a different way and enjoy a more relaxed daily life.
The renowned forward had hoped to make a comeback at Barcelona this summer. However, the FFP limitations imposed by La Liga for the next season made it impossible for the club to pursue ambitious plans to bring him back. Unable to secure his stay in 2021, Messi bid an emotional farewell during a tearful news conference as he signed with PSG.
Messi expressed his concerns, stating, “I was afraid that it would happen again. I really wanted, I was very excited to be able to return [to Barcelona], but after having experienced what I experienced and the exit I had, I did not want to be in the same situation again – waiting to see what was going to happen.” He mentioned hearing about Barcelona’s need to sell players or reduce salaries, which he did not want to be a part of.
Following Messi’s decision, Barcelona released a statement acknowledging that he had chosen Miami over their offer. “President [Joan] Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years,” the statement read.
The Miami deal includes partnerships with renowned brands such as Adidas and Apple. This move marks the first time that the Barcelona icon will play outside of Europe. Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player seven times, is expected to secure the honor again this year following his success in the World Cup.
