Messi reveals motivation behind dumping PSG for MLS switch

Daniel Edwards

• 17 Aug 2023 21:45 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi has revealed the reasons behind his bombshell decision to turn his back on Europe and Paris Saint-Germain in favour of Inter Miami.

The 36-year-old Argentina ace rocked the world of football when he left PSG for MLS on a free transfer this summer.

While his time at Parc des Princes fell below the star's ever-high expectations, he remains one of the best players on the planet - as he proved with a series of incredible displays to fire the Albiceleste to World Cup glory in December, a feat which makes him hot favourite for a record eighth Ballon d'Or crown.

READ: Messi into Inter Miami’s top 3 scorers of ALL TIME after SIX games

But according to Leo, his and his family's well-being was the prime factor behind seeking a new stage for his talents.

"My decision was based on a lot of different factors," he told reporters in Thursday's press conference, his first since arriving in Miami in July.

"We considered and decided upon it with my wife and wider family. I came here to play, to keep enjoying football, which is what I have loved all my life.

"I chose this place because of that above all else. I am very happy about the decision we made. Happy for my family, because of how we are enjoying it every day, in the city, the fans' welcome, which has been extraordinary since day one."

Leo feels at home

Messi added that settling in the US city was far easier than moving to the French capital from Barcelona in 2021 after almost two decades as a Blaugrana player.

"We are still settling in, we got here a month and a half ago in Miami," he stated.

"We still haven't found the house where we are going to live. But it was very easy to choose this, we were convinced about coming here and it was made very easy, thanks to the club's people, the fans and the people who I run into on the street. The city is spectacular and it lets you spend your days there in peace and comfort.

"The kids will be starting school soon. While there are still some things to sort out, it was easier than we expected. It had been tough to go from Barcelona to Paris."

Messi certainly has wasted no time in endearing himself to his new fanbase.

The veteran ace joined one of MLS' lowliest teams and immediately set about reversing their fading fortunes, scoring nine goals in just six matches to send Inter to the final of the Leagues Cup in his first month at the club.

He will be gunning for his club's first-ever title - and Messi's 44th, which would be a new world record - on Sunday, when Inter take on Nashville SC in the competition's deciding match.