FC Barcelona issued an official statement through its press office regarding the move of former Catalan forward Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. The announcement outlines the timeline and the key players involved in finalizing the transfer and reflects the club’s stance as events unfolded over the weeks leading up to the deal.
On the afternoon of June 5, Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and representative, informed Barcelona president Joan Laporta of the decision to join Inter Miami. The communication was preliminary, coming after the player considered several offers, including returns to Barcelona. Laporta acknowledged the decision, expressing respect for Messi’s choice to pursue football in a league that is not subject to the same level of intensity or public scrutiny as some of Europe’s top competitions. This moment marked a respectful transition for all parties involved, with Barcelona prioritizing a constructive path forward for the club and its supporters.
Earlier, on June 3, Messi appeared in his final match with Paris Saint-Germain, a farewell appearance against Clermont in the 38th round of Ligue 1. With PSG’s contract expiring in June, discussions intensified about potential destinations, and the move to Inter Miami was positioned as a free transfer. The change aligns with Messi’s ongoing career arc and his openness to new challenges beyond traditional European football. The club officials reiterated that such transitions are part of the evolving landscape of the sport, where players have the freedom to chart their own paths after fulfilling contractual commitments.
In the weeks surrounding the transfer, Inter Miami and Major League Soccer emerged as a new chapter for Messi, highlighting the league’s growing appeal and its capacity to attract players of his stature. The formalization of the agreement signaled a broader shift in MLS, which has been expanding both in reach and in the caliber of talent it attracts. Observers noted how the move could boost attendance, sponsorship opportunities, and the global profile of the league while offering Messi a different environment in which to contribute at a high level. This development was discussed by analysts and fans alike as part of the broader evolution of football careers, especially for players who have left the European spotlight. [citation: FC Barcelona press office report]
With Messi’s transition now in motion, the football world anticipates how Inter Miami will integrate him into its tactical framework and how the club will manage the global attention that accompanies a star of Messi’s stature. Barcelona’s leadership emphasized a respectful and amicable separation, focusing on supporting the player’s decision and ensuring a smooth process for all parties involved. The narrative surrounding the transfer underscores the complex balance clubs strike between short-term competitive goals and long-term relationships with players who have left a lasting impact on the club and its fans. [citation: Barcelona communications release]