Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has opened up on his sudden departure from La Liga juggernauts Barcelona to join French Ligue 1 kings Paris Saint-Germain back in 2021.
Messi departed Barcelona under controversial circumstances after unsuccessful contract negotiations, ultimately hindered by the Blaugrana’s financial struggles. Despite weeks of discussions, Barcelona failed to find a solution, forcing the Argentine to bid an emotional farewell to the club he had called home for most of his career.
During his time at the French capital, the Argentinian maestro functioned as the chief orchestrator of a super powered frontline including Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Together, they maintained Les Parisiens’ domestic dominance but continued to fall short in Europe.
Despite leading PSG to two Ligue 1 titles, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has now revealed that he was unhappy all through his stay with the Ligue 1 giants after experiencing a ‘hard time’ settling in at the French capital.
“Coming to play for Inter Miami was a real opportunity and the way things developed in my last year in Paris, although it was a decision I had to make quickly, because I had to leave Barcelona, I went through two years which I didn’t enjoy,” he said in an interview with Apple TV.
“I wasn’t happy on a daily basis, with the training and also in the matches. I had a hard time adapting to all that. I felt called to come to Inter Miami because it’s a club that’s growing, it’s very new, with just a few years as a club.”
Messi eventually swapped France for the United States of America in 2023, joining David Beckham-owned Inter Miami. The mercurial Argentine appears to be enjoying life outside European football, having returned to his productive best in Miami.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
