Lionel Messi spent the major part of his career in Europe. After his contract with PSG ended this summer, he was rumoured to go back to Barcelona. However, when that deal fell through, Messi didn’t renew his deal with the French club. He also had several offers from big European clubs and some Saudi clubs. However, the Argentina captain still chose to move to Inter Miami. After winning his record 8th Ballon d’Or, upon asking, Messi revealed that it was the end of the line for him in Europe.
Lionel Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States. He recently won his record 8th Ballon d’Or award. He led Argentina to the World Cup win last year. However, his season with PSG last term was not perfect. Yet, this seems to be the end for one of football’s greatests in Europe. After the Ballon d’Or ceremony, upon asking whether European football was over for him, Messi told L’Equipe, “Yes. Thanks to God, I had an extraordinary career in Europe and won everything I have dreamed of.”
He added, “Now that I have decided to come to USA, I don’t think I will ever return to playing in Europe. I had many offers on the table this year. including multiple European clubs and Saudi Arabia. We decided to come to Miami and it is a decision we are happy with, we feel good.” Inter Miami’s MLS season this term has ended as they have failed to qualify for the play-offs. There were rumours that Messi would at least come back to Europe on loan.
However, when he was asked about whether he could come back to Europe on a loan move, Messi told L’Equipe, “No, no chance. Not at all.” Lionel Messi’s contract with PSG ended this summer. He didn’t renew that contract and was ready to come back to Barcelona. However, the Catalan club are yet to solve their financial issues which saw Messi leave Barcelona in the first place back in 2021. Barcelona President Joan Laporta could not promise that Messi would be able to register with La Liga.
Messi already had a bad experience when he had to move to PSG from Barcelona in 2021 in an emergency situation. He was unwilling to put his family through the same thing again. Hence, he chose a move to Miami. Talking about the situation with Barcelona this summer window, Messi said, “I could have returned, but it didn’t happen. It was something similar to what happened in 2021. It was very similar to having to go to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.”
He added, “I thought about returning to Barca, about my life there, about retiring there as I always wanted, but it wasn’t possible.” Considering his career trajectory now, he might retire at Inter Miami. However, many people are hoping that he will at least play for a few more years. As he was asked whether he will be participating in the next World Cup, Messi said, “The 2026 World Cup? Considering the age I will be at that time, it seems difficult – but we’ll see.”
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