Leo Messi spoke publicly for the first time in a wide interview that aired worldwide, sharing the momentous decision to join Inter Miami. The conversation, hosted in Paris, offered a rare glimpse into the next chapter of the Argentine star’s career and the thinking behind his move after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. He reflects on his goals, the appeal of Major League Soccer, and how this transition fits into a longer arc of his professional life while maintaining the level of competition and daily joy he seeks in the game.
During the chat, he explains why the move to the United States makes sense at this stage. The focus is not on leaving Europe for good but on embracing a fresh challenge, growing the sport in a new market, and continuing to compete at a high level. He notes he is not completely closed off to other possibilities, yet his path for now is clearly set toward Miami and the U.S. league, where the culture of football and the daily routines provide a different rhythm than what he found in Europe.
After learning you wouldn’t return to Barcelona, where do your steps lead? Is Miami the destination?
The choice is Miami. It is a move that feels right at the moment. Nothing is locked in stone, but the plan to keep playing there is strong and well considered. The decision reflects a mixture of opportunity and a desire to keep pursuing football with the same intensity he has always shown.
There was chatter about possible reunions with teammates like Busquets or Alba. Is that on the table?
There was talk about making a collective journey, perhaps to Arabia with Busquets and Jordi Alba. In the end, however, everyone is pursuing their own paths. He stresses that no agreement existed to join someone else, and his plan was formed independently after weighing all the conversations from this interview. The result is a personal decision grounded in his own assessment of the moment and the best way to continue competing at the highest level.
Is the focus shifting away from Europe as you suggested?
Yes, there is a shift away from Europe. He mentions that offers from other European teams did come in, but his clear target was to go to Barcelona originally and that path did not materialize. After winning the World Cup and facing the challenge of returning to Barça, the time felt right to explore a different league. The United States Soccer League presented an opportunity to experience football in a new environment, with the added benefit of enjoying daily life and embracing a different pace, all while maintaining the same drive to win and perform with consistency and responsibility. The move aligns with a calmer approach to the game, without sacrificing the hunger to achieve more on the field.