Lionel Messi reveals why he couldn't return to Barcelona

Lionel Messi has shed light on why he couldn’t return to Barcelona after the 2022 World Cup, despite his best efforts.

The Argentine superstar had wanted to return to his former club, where it all began for him, but ultimately decided against it due to the financial implications.

Messi revealed that he didn’t want to be responsible for the club having to sell players or reduce salaries to accommodate his wages.

Messi had envisioned a return to Camp Nou after winning the World Cup with Argentina.

“After the World Cup, I couldn’t see myself playing for any other European team other than Barca. My goal was to return. To return to my home, where it all began”; he said.

Messi emphasized that he didn’t want to put Barcelona in a difficult financial situation.

“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,” he explained.

This decision ultimately led him to join Inter Miami, where he has been enjoying a new experience with his family.

Messi downplayed the role of money in his decision to join Inter Miami, saying it was a family decision. “The decision to come here was purely a family decision. We came to the United States, to Miami, to live this new experience.”

Messi’s move to Inter Miami has been a successful one, and the club is confident about extending his lucrative contract.

Messi remains committed to competing at the highest level, saying, “I have no doubt that I will continue competing. This nature will never leave me, because it’s part of me”.

However, he was coy about his participation in the 2026 World Cup, saying, “this year will be important for my decision regarding the World Cup.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about it.” With his contract with Inter Miami, Messi’s future plans are uncertain, but one thing is clear – he will continue to be a global phenomenon in the world of football.