Lionel Messi explains why he rejected chance to return to Barcelona

Argentina legend Lionel Messi has explained his decision not to return to Barcelona as he confirms his move to MLS club Inter Miami.

Messi’s future has been the main talking point over the last few weeks after it was confirmed he would be leaving French giants Paris Saint Germain.

On Wednesday evening, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner announced that he will be joining the David Beckham-owned Inter Miami in the MLS.

Prior to his move to the United States, Messi was linked with a big-money move to Saudi Professional League side Al Hilal, as well as an emotional return to Barcelona.

Speaking live to Spanish news outlets SPORT and Mundo Deportivo, Messi explained his decision not to return to the Camp Nou.

He said: “I heard that Barcelona had to sell players or lower player salaries and the truth is that I didn't want to go through that.

“Although I heard that it was said that La Liga had accepted everything and that everything was fine for me to return, there were still many other things that had to happen.

“I really wanted to return, I was very excited to be able to return, but, on the other hand, after having experienced what I experienced when I left, I didn't want to be in the same situation again. I didn't want to leave my future in someone else's hands.”

Messi: "I heard that they [Barça] had to sell players or lower players' salaries and the truth is that I didn't want to go through that." [md]

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) June 7, 2023

Messi added: “I will not return to Barcelona, I will join Inter Miami.

“After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it was time to go to the United States to live football in a different way and enjoy more day to day. Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to want to win and to always do things well. But more calmly.”

Currently, Inter Miami are bottom of the Eastern Conference with 15 points. Whilst they are in 27th place overall in the MLS, only Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy are below them.

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