Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has revealed that he wanted to return to Barcelona—but ultimately, it didn’t work out.
The Argentine legend was eager to rejoin the La Liga giants after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Messi, now 38 and a World Cup winner with Argentina, left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract in 2023 and opted to move to Major League Soccer.
“I intended to return to Barcelona, to go back to the place I had always wanted to be, but it was no longer possible,” Messi told Simplemente Fútbol.
“After that, choosing a new club became a family decision. Winning the World Cup also had a significant impact. I was clear: I didn’t want to be in another European team. I didn’t want to go to any of them,” he added.
Messi spent 17 seasons at Barça, winning a total of 35 trophies, including ten La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. Since joining Inter Miami, he has lifted two titles: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.