A year ago
Lionel Messi has confirmed a move to Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain following offers from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.
Lionel Messi talks about transfer decision after leaving PSG
Lionel Messi talks about transfer decision after leaving PSG
Lionel Messi has confirmed his decision to join MLS club Inter Miami and not return to Barcelona after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
After being released by PSG, the World Cup winner has been closely linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo completed a spectacular move to Saudi club Al-Nassr in January and earns around Ł173m a year.
The deal is - by far - the highest salary in football, including image rights and commercial commitments. Al-Nassr's rival in Riyadh, Al-Hilal, was preparing to bid on his longtime Argentinian rival this summer, but that did not materialize. Besides, Messi's former teammate Xavi, who currently leads Spanish champions Barcelona, ??has also made no secret of his desire to step down as World Cup champion for the 2023/24 campaign.
During an apparent meeting between his father and agent Jorge Messi and Barca president Joan Laporta on Tuesday, it was rumored that Messi will once again make his mark at the club where he has scored a staggering 672 goals. amazing after 17 years. He had previously left against his will in 2021, amid financial problems still plaguing the Catalan club.
In April, Barcelona transfer officials confirmed that there had been contacts with Messi over a possible return to the Camp Nou. Xavi and several Barca players have spoken of hoping for the Argentine's impressive return in the summer but that will not happen. Lionel Messi confirmed to join Inter Miami after leaving PSG
Lionel Messi confirmed to join Inter Miami after leaving PSG
On Wednesday, Messi gave an interview in Paris with the Catalan newspapers Mundo Deportivo and Sport in which he explained his decision to move to the MLS.
“The truth is that I received offers from another European team, but I did not even evaluate them because in Europe my only idea was to go to Barcelona,” explains Messi. “After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barça, it was time to go to the United States League to experience football in a different way.
“I want to enjoy everyday life more. Obviously the same responsibility and desire to win and always do things well. But calmer.
He added that a return to Barca is possible:
“I want to return to Barcelona but I don't want to leave my future in the hands of others.
"I heard that they [Barca] have to sell players or reduce players' salaries and the truth is I don't want to go through that."
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