Lionel Messi has disclosed the rationale behind his decision to turn down a move to his beloved club, Barcelona, with whom he had spent 17 illustrious seasons. Following a two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain, the World Cup winner found himself as a free agent, fielding numerous enticing offers, including one from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
Lionel Messi reveals why he’s rejected Barcelona
However, Messi ultimately chose to embark on a Major League Soccer adventure, joining Inter Miami, a club co-owned by the esteemed football icon, David Beckham. Speaking to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Messi shed light on his thought process, stating, “While I had heard that LaLiga had given the green light and everything seemed set for my return, there were still several other aspects that needed to fall into place.
Barcelona was facing the challenge of selling players or reducing salaries, and honestly, I did not wish to bear the burden or be responsible for such matters. Throughout my career at Barcelona, I have been unjustly accused of many things, and I had grown somewhat weary. I simply did not want to subject myself to further scrutiny. Although I would have loved to return, it was an unfeasible proposition.”
Messi’s sentiments highlight his desire to avoid potential complications and controversies, having already established himself as a global icon during his transformative journey from a prodigious teenager to a legendary figure at Barcelona.
