If the deal goes through, Messi’s signing would be the biggest coup for MLS since they bought Beckham in 2007. The deal changed perceptions around the world of the league’s quality and its ambition. In fact, a Messi acquisition would put the league in even greater focus ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview, Messi admitted that Miami – perhaps – was not his first stop as his contract with his most recent team, Paris Saint-Germain, expired.
In an ideal world, he would have returned to Catalonia, he made clear to the two media outlets that devoted much of their coverage to Barcelona, the club where he has become the best player of his generation. He said he “obviously really wanted to come back” and said he had discussed the idea with both club manager Xavi Hernández and president Joao Laporta.
Ultimately, however, Barcelona’s financial turmoil forced him to withdraw. “I heard they had to sell players or cut salaries, but the truth is, I didn’t want to go through that,” he said, adding that he had to leave Barcelona for his own convenience. He suggested that he did not want to take responsibility for forcing the team to adjust. .
“For myself and my family, I wanted to make my own decision,” he said, describing his departure from Europe as a chance to “find something else and find a little peace of mind.” bottom. After 20 years as one of the best players on the planet, seven months after leading Argentina to the World Cup, and winning the only trophy they’ve ever lost, he’s “a little more focused. I wanted to get out,” he said. , think of your family. ”