Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has recently opened up about his heartfelt desire to return to FC Barcelona after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. Unfortunately, that dream remains unfulfilled as Messi now embraces a new chapter with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).
After two challenging years at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Messi made the decision to move to the United States, joining David Beckham's Inter Miami in July 2023. Since then, he has already lifted two trophies with the club: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. However, the longing for a return to Barcelona, where he spent 17 illustrious seasons, still lingers in his heart.
In an in-depth interview with the YouTube channel Simplemente Fútbol, Messi shared his reflections on his illustrious career and the emotional ties he has with Barcelona. "After the World Cup in 2022, I could not see myself playing for another European team other than Barca," Messi expressed. "My goal was always to return. I wanted to return home, back where it all began. But, unfortunately, that just was not possible." This statement underscores the deep connection Messi has with the club that shaped his career.
Messi's departure from Barcelona in 2021 was marked by financial struggles that prevented the club from renewing his contract. The situation has not improved significantly since then, making a potential return complicated. Reports indicated that Barcelona would have had to offload several players or slash their salaries to accommodate Messi’s return. Messi, reflecting on this, stated, "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." This sentiment highlights the complexities of modern football, where financial realities often clash with emotional ties.
Messi's time at Barcelona was nothing short of extraordinary. He won a total of 35 trophies, including ten La Liga titles and four Champions League titles. He recalls his early days fondly, expressing gratitude for the warm reception he received from legends like Ronaldinho, Deco, Sylvinho, Xavi, Iniesta, and Puyol. "I always say the first locker room I entered was exceptional. I’m so thankful for how everyone embraced me," Messi said, reflecting on the camaraderie that defined his formative years.
Another pivotal figure in Messi's career was Pep Guardiola, who managed Barcelona from 2008 to 2012. Messi praised Guardiola's innovative approach, stating, "Pep Guardiola is from another world. He’s different—he sees things no one else sees. He changed football. Everyone wanted to copy us." This admiration for Guardiola speaks to the impact the coach had not only on Messi's career but on the sport as a whole.
Despite the challenges that led him to the MLS, Messi remains committed to competing at the highest level. As he approaches his 38th birthday in June 2025, he has not ruled out the possibility of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the U.S. and Canada. "This year will be key in deciding whether I’ll play in the World Cup. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about it," Messi noted, emphasizing that his competitive spirit is as strong as ever.
Messi's move to Inter Miami has allowed him to continue enjoying football while also focusing on family life. He stated, "The decision to come here was purely a family decision. We came to the U.S., to Miami, to live this new experience." This transition reflects a broader trend among players seeking new challenges and experiences beyond the European football landscape.
As Messi continues to elevate Inter Miami alongside friends and former teammates Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, he remains a focal point of attention in the soccer world. His presence in MLS not only boosts the profile of the league but also brings a unique blend of experience and skill to American soccer.
Looking ahead, Messi's future remains uncertain, but he is open to extending his contract with Inter Miami, which currently runs through the end of 2025. The club is reportedly willing to offer him multiple options for renewal, depending on his plans for retirement and his desire to continue playing. This flexibility underscores the mutual respect and admiration between Messi and the franchise.
In conclusion, while Lionel Messi's dream of returning to FC Barcelona may not have materialized, his journey continues to inspire fans around the globe. As he competes in MLS and prepares for the possibility of another World Cup, Messi's legacy as one of the greatest players in football history remains firmly intact. The combination of his achievements, experiences, and aspirations paints a picture of a player who, despite the challenges, continues to chase greatness on and off the field.
