Lionel Messi has revealed that other European clubs besides former side Barcelona tried to sign him in the summer before he ultimately decided to join Inter Miami.
The Argentine opted to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract after two years in the French capital and was heavily tipped to return to Barca having been forced to leave the club in 2021. Under La Liga’s financial restrictions, Barcelona were unable to register Messi’s contract, which brought an abrupt end to nearly two decades of association with La Blaugrana.
However, it was revealed in June that Messi would instead head to MLS and sign for Inter Miami, where he has proven to be a sensation and has taken the US by storm.
After winning his record eighth Ballon d’Or earlier this week, Messi conducted a sit-down interview with L’Equipe and France Football to discuss a wide range of topics, including how close he came to rejoining Barcelona.
“I thought about what was best at that time for my family and me. The fact that I became world champion and that I achieved all the objectives that I had set for myself during my career allowed me to think beyond the sporting aspect, to also think about well-being of my entire family, to benefit from another point of view. It was a decision that we made together, quietly,” Messi said.
“I could have actually returned to Barca, but it couldn’t happen. When I had to leave the club [in 2021], it happened like that. There, it was a bit the same, even if the circumstances were different. My first idea was always to return home, to be able to play for Barcelona again and to retire there as I had always dreamed of. But it wasn’t possible. So we made the decision to come here [to Inter Miami].
“I continue to follow [Barcelona], to watch the matches, of course, like when I played in Paris. It seems to me that the team has evolved well over time. The young players have an excellent level. There is a great team, which has the opportunity to be able to fight on all fronts this year.”
Messi then explained that Barcelona were not the only team who missed out on his signature, revealing he had offers from across Europe and Saudi Arabia.
“I had many offers on the table, very different ones, to be honest. Barca, but also other European clubs, Saudi Arabia,” he added.
“But we ultimately chose to come to Miami, a decision that we are happy to have taken, because we feel good here. We enjoy daily life more than before with my family. We can do many more things together, I can share moments with my wife and children that I missed before. Miami is a spectacular city, with a great climate. Furthermore, I was joined by friends, former teammates [Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets], so it’s alright!”
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