Messi Explains Why Return to Barcelona Didn’t Happen
Lionel Messi has revealed that he wanted to return to Barcelona after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but things didn’t go as planned.
The Argentine star, who now plays for Inter Miami in the United States, said he had hoped to rejoin the club he spent most of his career at. However, he had to make a different choice that suited his family and situation at the time.
Messi, who won the World Cup in Qatar while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, had his heart set on returning to the Camp Nou — a place he called home for 17 seasons.
In an interview with Simplemente Fútbol, Messi said:
“I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and going back to a place I’ve always wanted to be, but it wasn’t possible.”
He explained that after that, it became a family decision:
“Winning the World Cup played a big part. I was also very sure I didn’t want to play for another team in Europe. I didn’t want to join any of them.”
During his time at Barcelona, Messi won 35 major trophies, including 10 LaLiga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has already added two more trophies to his collection — the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
