Inter Miami sensation Lionel Messi has broken his silence on returning to Barcelona or European football.
Speaking to L’Equipe after winning his record-extending 8th Ballon d’Or award, Messi cleared the air on rumors linking him to a possible return to Barcelona before retirement.
When asked whether he has plans to return to Barcelona, he candidly responded, “I don’t think I will return to Barcelona or Europe. It was not impossible for me to return before joining Inter Miami but they had their issues which made the deal impossible.
“I have always wanted to return to Barcelona and say a final farewell to the club that holds a special place in my heart and made me who I am but I don’t think it is possible now. I am happy at Inter Miami.”
Lionel Messi’s career peaked while he was playing for Barcelona in Europe. He won six Ballon d’Or award while at the Catalan club, including various club and international trophies.
In 2021, he left the club in tears as they club grappled with financial rules which made his contract renewal impossible. Messi spent two seasons at PSG, winning two Ligue 1 titles and 2022 World Cup with Argentina before he left Europe for a stint in MLS, joining Inter Miami on a two-year contract.
We reported earlier Messi will not renew his Inter Miami contract when it expires and has been linked to a return to his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina where he is expected to call time on his career.
