Lionel Messi to Join Inter Miami: A New Chapter Begins

A Lucrative Offer and a Departure from Europe

Despite receiving a more financially enticing offer from the Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, Messi made the resolute choice to embark on a new adventure in the United States. Returning to Barcelona, his beloved former club, was no longer a viable option due to the constraints of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Expressing his thoughts on this matter, Messi affirmed, “I’ve taken the decision that I am going to Miami. [I decided] to leave Europe. It’s true that I had offers from another European team, but I didn’t even think about it because, in Europe, my idea was only to go to Barcelona.”

The Barcelona Connection and a Different Path

Having experienced the disappointment of not being able to return to Barcelona, Messi felt it was time to embrace a new direction and immerse himself in the MLS. Reflecting on his decision, Messi shared, “After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it’s time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day-to-day life more.” Despite this change, Messi’s commitment to excellence, winning, and performing at the highest level remains unwavering. He emphasized his continued dedication, stating, “Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to win, and to do things well, but with more calm.”

Financial Constraints and the Unfeasibility of a Barcelona Return

Barcelona, which had been the backdrop of Messi’s extraordinary career, faced insurmountable challenges in retaining the iconic forward. The limitations imposed by FFP in La Liga for the upcoming season rendered an ambitious plan to bring Messi back unattainable. The club’s inability to retain him in 2021 led to an emotional departure and his subsequent signing with Paris St-Germain. Reflecting on this period, Messi admitted, “I was afraid that it would happen again. I really wanted, I was very excited to be able to return [to Barcelona], but after having experienced what I experienced and the exit I had, I did not want to be in the same situation again – waiting to see what was going to happen.”

Barcelona’s Acknowledgment and Miami’s Appeal

Barcelona released an official statement acknowledging Messi’s choice to opt for a move to Miami over a potential return to the Catalan club. The information affirmed President Joan Laporta’s understanding and respect for Messi’s desire to compete in the league with fewer demands and to distance himself from the intense scrutiny and pressure he had faced in recent years. Moreover, Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami offers him a chance to collaborate with renowned brands such as Adidas and Apple, providing a platform for expanding his global reach and influence beyond football.

The First Venture Outside Europe and MLS Allure

This move marks an unprecedented milestone in Messi’s career as he ventures outside of Europe for the first time. Although a return to Barcelona failed to materialize, he faced a choice between Inter Miami and Al-Hilal. Initially, speculation pointed towards a move to Saudi Arabia, where he would have joined forces with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, forming a formidable trio in a league that presented an unmatched financial proposition. However, Messi’s ultimate decision to embrace Major League Soccer and join Inter Miami was influenced by various factors, including lifestyle considerations and the opportunity to secure partnerships with prominent brands that extend beyond the realm of football.

Paris St-Germain Stint and Future Aspirations

During his time at Paris St-Germain, Messi secured two Ligue 1 titles but experienced disappointment in the UEFA Champions League, exiting the competition in the round of 16. Despite this, he exhibited remarkable individual prowess, contributing 32 goals and 16 assists in Ligue 1 this season. As his two-year contract with Paris St-Germain draws to a close, both Messi and the club mutually agreed to part ways. However, it’s important to acknowledge that Messi faced a two-week suspension in May for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, which played a minor role in the dynamics surrounding his departure.

A Legacy Defined by Barcelona and International Success

While Messi’s time at Barcelona defined his legacy, his crowning achievement came in December when he led Argentina to victory in the World Cup. Having spent an astounding 21 years with Barcelona, Messi’s departure was precipitated by the financial difficulties the club faced. As Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with an incredible tally of 672 goals, Messi’s contributions played an instrumental role in the club’s success, which encompassed ten La Liga titles, four Champions League triumphs, and seven Spanish Cups.

Conversations with Xavi and Laporta: A Dream Deferred

Messi acknowledged having conversations with his close friend and current Barcelona manager, Xavi, regarding a potential return to the club. However, these discussions were limited in scope, occurring only once or twice at most. Similarly, communication with President Joan Laporta focused more on the general intention of a reunion rather than specific contractual details. Messi clarified, “We were very excited because when something came out, we would discuss if he really wanted me to come back, if it was good for the team and for him, and we kept in communication. We never even got to talk about the contract. A proposal was passed over, but never a formal, written, signed proposal because there was still nothing, and we did not know if it was going to be possible or not.”

The Irrelevance of Money: A Choice Driven by Passion

Despite the financial incentives associated with alternative offers, Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami was not motivated by money. He affirmed that had it solely been a matter of financial gain, he would have chosen Saudi Arabia or another destination. Instead, Messi’s choice signifies a desire to embrace a new chapter in his footballing journey, one that offers a different experience and allows him to make a profound impact on the growing soccer landscape in the United States.

Lionel Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami ushers in a new era, both for himself and for the ever-evolving realm of football. As he bids farewell to Europe and embarks on an MLS adventure, Messi’s move to Miami represents a convergence of personal aspirations and the appeal of a league on the rise. With his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and the support of reputed brands, Messi has the potential to leave an indelible mark on American soccer. As the footballing world eagerly anticipates this new chapter, all eyes will be on Inter Miami and their Argentine maestro as they strive to reach new heights of excellence, entertainment, and sporting glory.