‘Never wanted to join PSG’ – Lionel Messi admits

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has openly admitted that his initial intention was never to join Paris Saint-Germain and part ways with FC Barcelona back in 2021. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Messi shed light on his decision-making process.

Opting against returning to Catalonia in June, Messi set his sights on a fresh challenge in the MLS. His transition to the American league has been nothing short of remarkable, having scored an impressive nine goals in just six appearances. The momentum has propelled his new team to the Leagues Cup final, where they are slated to face Nashville on Saturday night.

In a candid address to the media, Messi and his family exuded their enthusiasm for their new life in the United States. This marks Messi’s debut public appearance since joining Inter Miami, a franchise owned by David Beckham and Jorge Mas.

“We arrived in Miami a month and a half ago,” Messi revealed in remarks shared by TyC Sports from his homeland Argentina. “We’re still in the process of settling down. While we’re yet to move into our new house, our choice to come to Miami was an easy one. The warmth of the people, both within the club and in the community, has made this transition seamless.”

He continued, “The city is truly exceptional, providing an environment where one can live peacefully and comfortably day to day. Our children will begin school soon. With only a few things left to arrange, the move has been less challenging than anticipated. It’s a far cry from the complexities of relocating from Barcelona to Paris.”

Expressing contentment with his current situation, Messi shared, “I’m embracing this new chapter and the unique experience of residing in a country that had always intrigued me. We’re finally where we want to be.”

However, Messi didn’t hesitate to express his dissatisfaction with his former club PSG. Reflecting on his departure from the club in late June, he said, “My move to Paris was never part of the plan, nor was it what I desired. Leaving Barcelona was incredibly tough, and the transition was far from smooth. But my current circumstances are a stark contrast, and for that, I’m grateful to God.”

The heartfelt bond Messi had with his boyhood club became evident during a tearful farewell press conference at Camp Nou auditorium in the summer of 2021. Despite his intention to extend his contract, his departure was catalyzed by complications related to Financial Fair Play (FFP) limits, which PSG managed to navigate.

Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Messi said, “In 2023, FFP continued to pose challenges. When I revealed my move to Inter Miami to the Catalan media, I was upfront about my decision not to wait for Barcelona to resolve their internal matters, as they had failed to do previously.”

In stark contrast to his time in the French capital, Messi and his family now radiate positivity in the U.S. Jorge Mas, one of the owners of Inter Miami, even went so far as to compare Messi to Michael Jordan, suggesting that he has the potential to elevate soccer’s popularity in the U.S. and propel the league to the top three in the world, as he explained in an interview with El Pais.