Lionel Messi has opened up for failure to secure a dream refund to Barcelona from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
Messi was consistently connected to a move back to Catalonia when his PSG contract expired at the end of the 2022/23 season.
His two years in Paris were not happy for Messi after they initially chose to make the switch to the Parc des Princes as a free agent from Barcelona.
With the financial situation Barcelona still in a mess, however, they could not close a deal to bring their iconic no. 10 back to the club.
Messi finally chose to make the switch to the US to join David Beckham's Inter Miami after he finally left Paris in June 2023.
Messi has kept the switch to Florida sharp with his career that still attracts global attention, even though it is not his first goal after leading Argentina to Glory during FIFA World Cup 2022.
“After the World Cup in 2022, I could not see myself playing for another European team than Barca,” he told an interview with the Simlegente Fútbol YouTube channel.
“My goal was always to return. I wanted to return home, back where it all started.
“But unfortunately that was just not possible.”
Messi concludes a decision about his future in Inter Miami with his current contract at the end of 2025 in line with the MLS season.
His plan for Captain Argentina on the FIFA World Cup 2026 stays on schedule and it is expected to sign an extension until at least after the tournament.
Inter Miami was able to offer him three options for a renewal, to leave after the World Cup, or to reach agreement until the end of 2026 and the completion of the 2026 ml season.
The club is open to keep Messi until the end of 2027, if the conditions can be agreed, but it will depend on when the 37-year-old is planning to retire.