'The god of soccer' Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) revealed the reason for his decision to move to the United States.

On the 18th (Korea time), Messi appeared on Argentina's 'Simplemente Football' and stated that the background of him wearing the Inter Miami uniform was due to the failure of his return to Barcelona.

Messi said in the interview, "I wanted to return to Barcelona, and I always wanted to be where I wanted to be. But in the end, it didn't happen."

After his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired in the summer of 2023, Messi sought to return to Barcelona. Messi's father, Jorge Messi, also participated in the negotiations. However, as it ultimately fell through, Messi transferred to Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami.

Messi emphasized, "The decision to come to the U.S. was a family decision. Winning the World Cup also had a significant impact," adding, "I never considered playing for another team in Europe. That thought was completely absent from my mind."

Messi was born in Argentina but lived in Barcelona from 2000, when he was 13 years old. He went through La Masia and began playing at the age of 17 in 2004, continuing to play at Barcelona until the summer of 2021. However, Messi parted ways with Barcelona when he transferred to PSG.

Messi also explained, "The decision to come here was for my family. The MLS is growing, and Miami is a newly established team with a passion to achieve significant accomplishments," adding, "Those factors attracted me. Above all, it was a decision considering the happiness of my family."

Especially reflecting on his time at PSG, Messi said, "We had a difficult time for two years. I lived my whole life in Barcelona and then moved to Paris," noting, "My family did well in Paris; the weather was cold, but it was a really wonderful city."

He continued, "The kids made friends, and Antonela Roccuzzo (wife) is someone who adapts well anywhere. She has always been there for me," adding, "But I did not feel comfortable in daily life or during training. So this time, I wanted to make a choice that would allow my family to thrive and for me to be happy."

Recently, rumors about Messi's return to Barcelona surfaced. However, it is reported that Messi is satisfied with his life in the United States with his family, so the possibility of extending his contract with Miami seems high.

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