Inter Miami’s talismanic forward, Lionel Messi, has opened up about his desire to return to Barcelona following his World Cup triumph with Argentina in 2022, revealing that despite his hopes, a homecoming was ultimately not feasible.
Back in 2020, Messi made headlines with his now-infamous burofax attempt to depart Barcelona.
Although he remained at the club for one more season, financial constraints meant that a contract renewal was impossible, forcing him to bid a tearful farewell to the only club he had ever known.
Paris Saint-Germain quickly secured his signature, and while Messi initially faced challenges adapting to life in France, he rediscovered his magic in the 2022/23 season.
That same campaign saw him spearhead Argentina’s charge to a historic World Cup victory, their first in 36 years.
With his PSG contract expiring in the summer of 2023, top clubs around the world lined up in pursuit.
Saudi Pro League sides sought to reunite him with his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, while Inter Miami, aided by Major League Soccer and Apple, pulled out all the stops to bring the Argentine maestro to the United States.
Despite the global interest, Messi admits his heart remained in Catalonia. “After the World Cup, I couldn’t see myself playing for any other European team other than Barca,” he shared in an interview with Simplemente Futbol.
“My goal was to return. To return to my home, where it all began. But unfortunately, that wasn’t possible,” he added.
Messi elaborated on the difficult realities surrounding a potential return to Barcelona.
“I heard that they had to sell players or reduce players’ salaries, and the truth is that I didn’t want to go through that or take responsibility for something related to all of that,” he explained.
Although he continues to earn a substantial salary in Miami, Messi insists financial gain was never the driving force behind his move.
“The decision to come here was purely a family decision,” said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “We came to the United States, to Miami, to live this new experience.”
With Inter Miami keen on extending his stay, Messi has no plans to hang up his boots anytime soon.
“I have no doubt that I will continue competing,” he said. “This nature will never leave me, because it’s part of me. This is how I was raised. I love winning and competing.”
Still, the question of his participation in the 2026 World Cup remains unanswered. “This year will be important for my decision regarding the World Cup,” Messi admitted. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about it.”
Should he remain active and in form by then, at the age of 39, reports suggested Barcelona may still be exploring ways to finally welcome back their greatest-ever player to the place he proudly calls “home.”
