OFFICIAL: Messi and Barcelona – it’s over for good!
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 4 Nov 2023 08:41 GMT
- 4 min read
Lionel Messi has revealed that his “first idea” was to return to Barcelona during the summer before he completed his historic move to Inter Miami, but he says that he will not go back to Camp Nou as a player.
Messi was a free agent after his contract with PSG expired, and at that time there were many rumours that he could return to Camp Nou.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was also linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League before he completed his transfer to David Beckham’s MLS outfit, opening the door to the possibility of a January transfer window loan deal back to Barca, but the 36-year-old has shut that prospect down.
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Asked if a temporary move is possible this January, he told L’Equipe: “No, not at all.”
Furthermore, he effectively ended speculation that he could return to Barcelona as a player.
He was asked if he his career in Europe is over and he replied: “Yes, I think that there it’s over. Thanks to God, I was lucky enough to have an extraordinary career, I won everything I dreamed of in Europe, where I played for many years.
“Now that I've taken a step by coming here to the United States, I don't think I'll ever go back to play in Europe. Of course, I will miss playing in the Champions League or playing in LaLiga for the rest of my life, matches with a special flavour. But I enjoyed it as much as I could, so I have no frustration.”
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Messi’s ‘first idea’ was Barca return
Messi has admitted that during the summer, his heart was set on a move back to LaLiga’s champions.
“I could have actually returned to Barca, but it couldn't happen. When I had to leave the club in 2021, it happened like that. In the summer, it was a little similar, even if the circumstances were different,” he explained.
“My first idea was always to return home, to be able to play at Barcelona again and to retire there as I had always dreamed of. But it wasn't possible. So we made the decision to come here.
Messi's transfer value over time
“I had many offers on the table, very different ones, to be honest. Barca, but also other European clubs, Saudi Arabia...
“But we ultimately chose to come to Miami, a decision that we are happy to have taken, because we feel good here. We enjoy daily life more than before with my family. We can do many more things together, I can share moments with my wife and children that I missed before.
“Miami is a spectacular city, with a great climate. Furthermore, I was joined by friends and former teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. So, it's all right!”
Messi did admit, however, that once he has retired as a player, his first choice is to return to Barcelona to live.
