Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, indicated that Lionel Messi could return to the club this summer, choosing a path with Inter Miami because it would bring less pressure than a move to Paris Saint-Germain. The comments, attributed to World Deportivo, reflect a nuanced exchange about timing, expectations, and fair play as Messi weighed his options.
According to Laporta, Messi wanted the reunion, but a mismatch in rhythms meant the two sides would not pursue a pact immediately. The club made it clear they would speak again once they were confident about the terms. Even after a contract was formally accepted, Messi’s father conveyed that the decision to join Inter Miami was driven by several demanding seasons at PSG, where the environment demanded greater calm, a setting Messi hoped to find in Major League Soccer.
On June 3, Messi completed his departure from PSG, finishing his final appearance for the French club against Clermont in the 38th round of the season. The contract with Paris had expired in June, and Messi moved to Inter Miami as a free agent, beginning a new chapter in a different league and cultural setting.
Messi’s professional journey began with Barcelona, where he played from 2003 to 2021. During his time with the Blaugrana, he helped the team win ten La Liga titles, secure seven domestic trophies including the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, and lift four Champions League trophies. He also collected three UEFA Super Cups and the Club World Cup, cementing a legacy that has shaped modern football. These achievements remain a key part of the narrative surrounding his career and the anticipated impact he would have in MLS and beyond [Citations attributed to World Deportivo and club records].
In reflecting on Messi’s public declarations about his next steps, the emphasis centers on competing at the highest level with Inter Miami, a goal he described through interviews and public appearances. The shift to MLS marks a new phase in a career defined by peak performances, global recognition, and a persistent drive to excel on the world stage.