Barca Respect Messi’s Decision To Choose Inter Miami
Barcelona have stated that they respect Messi’s decision to join the United State’s Major League Soccer (MLS).
Barca was hoping to re-sign the Fifa World Cup Champion however it failed as the 35-year-old chose Inter Miami instead of his former club.
It is reported that this was due to Barca’s financial constraints.
In a statement on Wednesday, the 2022/2023 La Liga Champions said it was informed about the player’s choice on Monday by his father, Jorge Messi.
“On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barça, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear Blaugrana.
“President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.
“Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barça fans to honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barça,” the statement read.
In an interview, Messi shot down assumptions that he snubbed Barca for money.
“If it had been a matter of money I would have gone to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere,” he said as quoted by BBC.
He also said he decided to leave Europe despite offers from European Clubs since he wasn’t able to join his dream club.
He added: “It’s true that I had offers from another European team but I didn’t even think about it because, in Europe, my idea was only to go to Barcelona. After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it’s time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day to day life more. Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to win, and to do things well, but with more calm.”
Messi joins Inter Miami from Paris Saint Germain (PSG) where he hit the net 32 times in 75 games for the club – and ended this season with 16 goals and 16 assists in Ligue 1.
