Lionel Messi Opens Up on Why He Chose Inter Miami Over a Barcelona Return

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, shed light on his decision to join (MLS) side Inter Miami in 2023 instead of returning to his beloved FC Barcelona. The 38 year old Argentine superstar, whose emotional connection to the Catalan club spans over two decades, explained the complex factors personal, professional, and logistical that shaped his choice to embark on a new chapter in the United States. 

A Family First Decision

Messi emphasized that his family’s well being was at the forefront of his decision making process. After spending two years in Paris with PSG, where he admitted to struggling with adaptation despite his family’s ability to adjust, Messi was determined to prioritize a stable and supportive environment for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children. “It was a family decision,” Messi stated during the interview. “After two years in Paris, which were difficult for me, I wanted to make sure we could find peace and happiness.”

The move to Miami offered a fresh start in a less pressure-intensive footballing landscape compared to the relentless scrutiny of European football. The MLS, while competitive, provided Messi with an opportunity to enjoy the game without the constant media spotlight that defined his career in Europe. This shift also allowed his family to settle into a new cultural and social environment, which Messi described as a key factor in his decision to forgo a return to Barcelona.

The Impact of the 2022 World Cup Triumph

Messi’s historic triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he led Argentina to their third world title, marked a pivotal moment in his career and significantly influenced his outlook on his future. The victory fulfilled a lifelong dream for Messi, who had faced immense pressure to deliver the coveted trophy for his country. Reflecting on this achievement, he revealed that it brought clarity to his career choices. “After the World Cup, I was very clear that I didn’t want to play for any other club in Europe except Barcelona,” Messi explained.

With a return to Barcelona proving unfeasible, Messi opted for a new challenge in the MLS rather than joining another European powerhouse or a club in Saudi Arabia, where lucrative offers were reportedly on the table. The opportunity to experience football in a different context, coupled with the chance to contribute to the growth of the sport in the United States, appealed to Messi at this stage of his career. His move to Inter Miami, a club co-owned by David Beckham, has since proven transformative, with Messi leading the team to the 2024 Leagues Cup title and earning widespread acclaim for his performances.

Barcelona’s Financial Struggles as a Barrier

While Messi’s emotional connection to Barcelona remains unbreakable, the club’s ongoing financial difficulties played a significant role in preventing his return. In previous interviews with Spanish outlets Mundo Deportivo and Sport in 2023, Messi had alluded to the logistical challenges posed by Barcelona’s compliance with La Liga’s stringent financial fair play regulations. The club, still grappling with a precarious financial situation, would have needed to offload players or significantly reduce their wage bill to accommodate Messi’s registration a process that carried no guarantees.