Why I Chose Not To Return — Lionel Messi

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a stunning revelation, Lionel Messi has officially confirmed his imminent move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami this summer, effectively ending any hopes of a return to his beloved Barcelona.

The 35-year-old Argentine superstar, who enjoyed an illustrious career at the Spanish club, recently provided insights into his decision-making process during an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

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While Messi’s potential return to Barcelona had been a subject of intense speculation, the footballing icon explained that he ultimately opted against it in order to avoid putting the LaLiga champions in financial turmoil.

Reflecting on his desire to return, Messi acknowledged his excitement and eagerness to rejoin the club where he made his name. However, his departure from Barcelona in the past had left a lasting impact on him, prompting him to avoid a similar situation this time around.

Messi revealed that despite hearing reports of La Liga accepting his return and seemingly giving the green light for the transfer, various other factors needed to fall into place for the move to materialize smoothly. Specifically, he alluded to Barcelona’s pressing need to offload players and reduce salaries as part of their ongoing financial restructuring.

Understanding the potential complications and burdens that his return could impose on his beloved club, Messi made the difficult decision to forego the possibility of reuniting with Barcelona.

The Argentine superstar’s remarks shed light on the internal dynamics at Barcelona and the challenging circumstances they currently face. The club’s financial situation has necessitated significant cost-cutting measures, including player sales and wage reductions, to comply with financial regulations and restore stability.

Messi’s statement brings an end to the hopes of countless Barcelona fans who had eagerly anticipated his return. Having spent his entire professional career at the Catalan club, Messi had become a symbol of Barcelona’s success and was widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

His departure in 2021 due to the club’s financial constraints marked the end of an era, leaving fans yearning for his homecoming.

Instead, Messi will embark on an exciting new chapter in his career with Inter Miami in the MLS. The move represents a significant shift for the footballing icon, as he embraces the challenges and opportunities presented by the North American league.

Inter Miami, owned in part by former England captain David Beckham, will undoubtedly benefit from Messi’s exceptional talent and experience, while MLS fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his extraordinary skills on the American soccer stage.

“I really wanted to return, I was very excited to be able to return, but, on the other hand, after having experienced what I experienced when I left, I didn’t want to be in the same situation again.

“Although I heard that La Liga had accepted my return and everything was fine, many other things also needed to happen.

“I heard that Barça needed to sell players and reduce salaries, I didn’t want to go through all of that.”

As Messi prepares to bid farewell to Barcelona once again, his decision highlights the complex realities that professional athletes must consider when making career choices.

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While fans may lament the missed opportunity of his return, they can take solace in the knowledge that his decision was driven by a deep respect and concern for the well-being of the club he holds dear.