After weeks of speculation surrounding the future ex-PSG winger Lionel Messi, the transfer saga finally concluded, with the Argentine set to join MLS side Inter Miami. The 35-year-old confirmed his decision after failing to secure a return to FC Barcelona, who have now released a statement in response to Messi’s honest admissions about the unsuccessful deal.
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 7, 2023
The transfer saga, which kicked off long before the forward departed PSG, saw months of deliberation and numerous developments. Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal was said to be the frontrunner for Messi’s signature until Barcelona intervened and presented a proposal for his return. Both parties were optimistic following a secret meeting between Barca President Joan Laporta and Messi’s agent and father, Jorge.
However, the transfer ultimately fell through, with Messi opting to move to Inter Miami; the team owned by David Beckham. As per reports, the Herons tabled a stronger offer as compared to Barcelona, including perks such as a cut of profits from Apple TV’s subscription revenue, an option for an ownership stake in Inter Miami, and even a percentage of Adidas’s shirt sales following the transfer.
The details of Leo Messi’s proposed contract with Inter Miami 👀 pic.twitter.com/Y1maX1UC0f
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 8, 2023
The seismic offer did enough to convince the World Cup winner, who further explained his decision in an interview with SPORT. FC Barcelona has now responded to Messi’s interview, via a statement released on the club’s website.
🔵🔴 Barcelona’s statement:
“Jorge Messi told Laporta about Leo’s decision to sign for Inter Miami despite having a proposal from Barça”.
“Both Laporta and Jorge Messi have also set out to work together to promote a great tribute to a player who will always be loved by Barça”. pic.twitter.com/Bk2ijmOpLd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
It read, “On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barça.”
The statement also attempted to exempt Barcelona from the blame regarding the failed return; “President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.”
FC Barcelona did not want Lionel Messi to come back
Figures within Barcelona were allegedly against Lionel Messi’s return, as suggested by the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner himself. In an interview, the 35-year-old said “I’m not sure if Barça did everything possible to make it happen, honestly; I just know what Xavi told me…I’m sure that there’s people in the club that do not want me to return to Barça, considering that negative for the club.”
Messi: “I’m not sure if Barça did everything possible to make it happen, honestly; I just know what Xavi told me…”. 🔵🔴 #FCB
🚨 “I’m sure that there’s people into the club that does NOT want me to return to Barça, considering that negative for the club”. pic.twitter.com/NMUZfau9BA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
Messi’s confession was evidently enough for Barcelona to come out with their own statement, so perhaps his claims carry a tinge of truth. However, it’ll be interesting to see him play in a less competitive league at the tail end of his career.
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