Lionel Messi has disclosed that he attempted to return to Barcelona and even explored the possibility of joining the Saudi Pro League before ultimately signing with MLS side Inter Miami.
Following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, Messi was initially expected to rejoin Barcelona as a free agent. However, owing in part to the club’s widely acknowledged financial challenges, a reunion with La Blaugrana did not come to fruition.
Speaking to TIME after being named their Athlete of the Year, Messi expressed his desire to return to Barcelona, but the move proved unfeasible. He stated, “The truth is that fortunately, I had several options on the table that were interesting, and I had to analyze them and think, even weigh them up with my family, before making the final decision to come to Miami. My first option was to return to Barcelona, but it was not possible. I tried to return, and it did not happen.”
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Messi had previously clarified that he chose not to return to Barcelona, where he achieved significant success, including winning the UEFA Champions League four times and becoming the all-time leading goalscorer. The decision was influenced by the club’s need to either offload players or reduce salaries to accommodate Messi’s contract.
Among the rumored destinations that could afford Messi without financial constraints was the Saudi Pro League. Reports suggested that the reigning Ballon d’Or winner turned down an offer exceeding £300m per year from Saudi club Al Hilal in the summer, opting instead for a move to Inter Miami in MLS.
Reflecting on the interest from Saudi Pro League teams, Messi stated, “It is also true that later I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league, where I know the country and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.”
“As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me, especially because I’ve enjoyed everything I have visited, because of how football is growing in the country and because of the effort they are putting into creating a top competition. It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me.”
Messi recently concluded his first season in North America, guiding Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup triumph, marking the club’s first-ever trophy.