In the wake of his departure from French champions Paris St-Germain, 35-year-old Lionel Messi, a revered figure in Argentina, has made the decision to join the American team Inter Miami. Despite receiving a more lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, Messi's return to Barcelona was hindered by Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, rendering it impossible.

"I have made the decision to go to Miami," Messi revealed to Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo newspapers.

In his recent statement, Lionel Messi confirmed his decision to depart Europe, expressing that although he received offers from another European team, he didn't even consider them. He had set his sights solely on Barcelona, but with his World Cup victory and the inability to return to his former club, he believes it's time for a new chapter in Major League Soccer (MLS). His goal is to experience football in a different way and enjoy a more relaxed daily life, while maintaining the same level of responsibility, desire to win, and commitment to excellence.

Despite Messi's strong desire to reunite with Barcelona this summer, the Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions set to be imposed in La Liga for the upcoming season made any ambitious plans for his return impossible. The limitations in place forced the Spanish club to part ways with Messi in 2021, resulting in an emotional press conference before his move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Messi expressed his apprehension about facing a similar situation again, stating that he genuinely wished to return to Barcelona but didn't want to be left waiting to see what would unfold. The news of player sales or salary reductions within the club made him reluctant to endure such circumstances or bear the responsibility associated with resolving those issues.

Barcelona subsequently issued a statement confirming that Messi had opted for a move to Miami instead of accepting their offer. The club's president, Joan Laporta, understood and respected Messi's decision to seek a league with fewer demands, offering him an opportunity to distance himself from the intense spotlight and pressure he had faced in recent years.

Prominent Brands Complement Messi's Miami Deal

Lionel Messi, a seven-time winner of the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for the world's best player, is set to secure another victory this year following his success in the World Cup. Notably, this marks the first time the renowned Barcelona legend will be playing outside of Europe.

The Miami deal encompasses collaborations with esteemed brands such as Adidas and Apple, further enhancing the significance of Messi's move and underscoring the global interest surrounding his new venture.

As Lionel Messi's hopes for a Barcelona comeback faded away, he found himself facing a clear choice between Inter Miami and Al-Hilal. Initially, speculation leaned towards a move to Saudi Arabia, where he would have joined the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in a league that offered unmatched financial incentives.

However, in the end, Messi was enticed by the prospects offered by Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami. His decision was influenced by various factors, including the appealing lifestyle associated with Miami and the opportunity to collaborate with major non-football brands, extending his reach beyond the sport. Interestingly, he already owns a house in Miami, which he currently rents out.

During his time at Paris St-Germain, the club secured Ligue 1 titles in both seasons, but their elimination from the Champions League in the round of 16 prevented his tenure in France from being deemed a resounding success. Throughout his PSG stint, Messi scored 32 goals in 75 games, concluding the latest season with an impressive tally of 16 goals and 16 assists in Ligue 1.

With his two-year contract set to expire this summer, both parties mutually agreed to part ways, with Messi serving a two-week suspension in May for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. Although his legacy primarily stems from his remarkable tenure at Barcelona and his triumph in the World Cup with Argentina in December, it was the financial turmoil at Barcelona that led to his departure from the club in 2021.

Messi's legacy at Barcelona is unquestionable, as he remains their all-time leading goal scorer with an astonishing 672 goals. His tenure also saw him claim 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and seven Spanish Cups.

Money is not the driving factor

Messi revealed that he had conversations with his close friend Xavi, who is the manager of Barcelona, regarding a potential return to the club. However, these discussions were minimal, happening only once or twice at most. In contrast, his communication with president Joan Laporta was even more limited.

"We were both very enthusiastic about the idea. Whenever news surfaced, we would discuss whether he really wanted me to come back and if it would benefit the team and him. We maintained communication," Messi shared.

However, the discussions never progressed to the point of talking about the contract. While there was a passing proposal, it did not materialize into a formal, written, or signed offer. The uncertainty surrounding the feasibility of the return prevented any concrete progress.

"We never even reached the stage of discussing the financial aspect formally. A proposal was mentioned, but without a formal offer, there was still uncertainty about its feasibility," Messi explained.

He further emphasized that if the decision was solely based on financial matters, he would have chosen to join Saudi Arabia or any other destination. The motivation for a return to Barcelona was not primarily driven by monetary factors.