Mercato – Lionel Messi will join MLS: “I made the decision to go to Miami”

Lionel Messi is going to other skies. In an interview with several media, the now ex-PSG player confirmed his choice to join Inter Miami, which plays in the North American championship (MLS). “I’ve decided I’m going to Miami, I haven’t 100% done (a deal) or maybe there’s still things to do, but we’ve decided to move on there“, told the sevenfold Ballon d’Or to the Spanish newspapers, Daily Sport et Sports world.

Regarding Barça’s interest, the seven-time Ballon d’Or confirmed that a return had indeed been considered. “I really wanted to return to Barcahe assured. But after going through what I went through (in 2021) and my departure, I didn’t want to find myself in the same situation again: waiting to see what was going to happen and leaving my future in the hands of another (. ..) I had offers in Europe, but the only European team I wanted was Barca (…) After the coronation at the World Cup and given that it is impossible to return to Barça, it’s time to go to MLS to experience football in a different way, and to enjoy everyday life more. Of course, I have the same thirst for victory and the same desire to do things well, but with more calm..”

“Even though I heard that La Liga had accepted (the financial terms) and everything was OK for me to come back… There were still a lot of things missing. I heard they had to sell players or lower their wages, and that’s something I didn’t want, I didn’t want to be responsible for something like that“, added Messi.

In love with Barcelona, ​​where he was in contact “all season” with Xavi, the Argentine world champion does not rule out returning there one day. “I didn’t say goodbye as I would have liked to, as I believe I would have deserved. There were horrible rumors about me, as if I had been the villain of the film. I don’t didn’t like it very much because it didn’t happen that way (…) I want to always stay close to the club. I will come back to live in Barcelona, ​​that’s something we are sure of with my wife and my children. And hope that one day I can come back to help the club. Because it is a club that I support and because I have received support from everyone throughout my career.“

Barça will pay tribute to him

Shortly after the announcement of this decision, Barca issued an official statement. “On Monday June 5, Jorge Messi, father and representative of the player, informed the President of FC Barcelona, ​​Joan Laporta, of Leo Messi’s decision to sign for Inter Miami. This decision came despite the offer presented by Barca, in view of the common interest of the club and Leo Messi. President Joan Laporta understood and respected the decision taken by Messi to want to evolve in a championship that is less demanding and less publicized, which will generate less pressure on the player than in recent seasons.“, writes the Catalan club.

“Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi are working on a tribute from all of Barcelona to a player who is and will always be loved at Barca“, is it announced.