Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has finally revealed the emotional story behind his failed return to Barcelona after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The 38-year-old football icon, who played a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar, admitted he had strong intentions to rejoin his boyhood club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. However, his much-anticipated comeback to the La Liga side couldn’t materialize.
In an exclusive interview with Simplemente Fútbol, Messi said, “I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and being able to go back to a place I always wanted to be, but it wasn’t possible again.”
He explained that after discussions failed, the decision to join Inter Miami became more about family and lifestyle. “It became a family decision. The fact that we won the World Cup also had a big impact,” he added.
Messi clarified that he wasn’t interested in continuing his career with any other European club. “I was clear that I didn’t want to be at another team in Europe. I didn’t want to go to any of them,” the former Barca captain stated.
Lionel Messi spent an unforgettable 17 seasons with FC Barcelona, winning an incredible 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies.
Since joining Inter Miami, the Argentine has already added two trophies to his cabinet—the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
