Messi calls Barcelona ‘bleeding open wound’

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 7 Jun 2023 21:27 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi has given a candid interview following his decision to move Inter Miami over Barcelona.

The superstar is out of contract later this month and so there has been an ongoing saga over what will be his next club.

Inter Miami, the MLS franchise made by David Beckham, Barcelona, and Saudi Arabia, have all been on the cards.

READ MORE: ‘People act like he died or something’ – Fans react to Messi’s Inter Miami move

But the Argentine opted to move to the East side of America at the age of 35.

He said about how he anguished about making a return to Barcelona, but ultimately he could not do it as there was not enough security, plus it would impact on the careers of other players already at the side, who would potentially have to be moved on or their salaries reduced.

Via Mundo Deportivo, Messi was asked: “Is Barca still an open wound now that won't stop bleeding?”

And he replied: “ A little yes. For not being able to say goodbye to people as I would have liked. As I think I would have deserved. As the players I named also deserved and did. I would have liked to go that way too."

READ MORE: : Messi confirms Inter Miami move

Messi makes Miami move

🚨 Leo Messi on Barcelona: “I couldn't say goodbye to people the way I wanted, which I think I deserve. There was a bad impression, I was the bad guy in the movie and I didn't like it because it wasn't the case.” pic.twitter.com/wqBhIDGZM4

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 7, 2023

He continued: "I spoke very little with President Laporta, once or twice at most. With Xavi, I do have a lot of communication, since he arrived at the club much more, and very often."

The club, today, was not in a position to confirm 100% that I could return. And it is understandable, due to the situation that the club is going through, and that is how I experienced it."

"I would like to have a real farewell at some point with the people we lived and enjoyed and suffered so much. They were many years together, and I would like to say goodbye."