Messi’s departure from PSG was evident – But why Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi’s struggle during his two-year stay at Paris Saint Germain has finally resulted in his departure.

He announced Inter Miami as his next destination during a joint interview with Spanish news portals Mundo Deportivo and Sport on Wednesday, June 7. Messi said he was not happy at PSG.

“I had two years where I was so unhappy on a personal level that I didn’t enjoy it.”

In May, Messi was given a two-week suspension by the club for traveling to Saudi Arabia for business without permission. This created an uneasy atmosphere for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, together with jeers from fans on several occasions.

Messi had hoped he would quickly get over his chaotic exit from Barca in 2021, by creating beautiful memories with PSG. He is yet to have that feeling.

Out of the many clubs that wanted the 2022 World Cup winner, Barca was the only European side that approached him with a proposal, ready to reach a deal.

Hurtful memories of his exit from Camp Nou, coupled with how costly it could have been for the Spanish side to have him back, made the Argentina star retract.

“I really wanted to return to Barca, I had that dream. But after what happened two years ago, I did not want to be in the same situation again” Messi said. He added that “I saw Barca would have to sell some of their players or reduce salaries. I did not want to be responsible for that.”

Saudi side Al-Hilal was also top on the list. They were ready to spend as much as it could take to have Messi, yet, a deal was not reached. “It wasn’t about money, otherwise I was going to join Saudi” Messi told Mundo Deportivo.

With his family being one of the factors that influenced his move to the US, Inter Miami appears to be that alternative that might give him what he couldn’t enjoy with his family while at PSG. “I want to rediscover joy, enjoy my family, my children, the day-to-day” Lionel Messi disclosed.

The football legend is expected to join his new teammates in July. He will get back his jersey number 10 which he has used with Barca and Argentina over the past years. Messi wore number 30 at PSG.

He scored 32 goals in 75 matches for the French side and won the 2023 Ligue 1 Championship.