Messi reveals his departure from PSG: "I wanted to return to Barcelona, but It wasn't possible"
Lionel Messi reflects on his journey from PSG to Inter Miami, discussing his attempt to return to Barcelona, his struggles at PSG, and the joy he now finds playing in the United States.
The Argentinian football star, Lionel Messi, recently sat down for an interview on the YouTube channel 'Simplemente Futbol', where he opened up about this journey after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, including his failed attempt to return to FC Barcelona.
In addition to discussing his personal career and legacy with Argentina, Messi also took the opportunity to reflect on the rise of La Masia's latest star, Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, Yamal has already made a huge impact on the football world, and Messi was quick to praise his immense talent.
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Messi's departure from PSG and his arrival to Inter Miami
The Argentine star's contract with PSG ended in June 2023, a time when he tried his luck and attempted to return to FC Barcelona without success, ultimately ending up at Inter Miami:
"I intended to return to Barcelona and be where I always wanted to be, but it wasn't possible again, and then it became a family decision. Winning the World Cup also played a big role. I was clear that I didn’t want to be in another European team. It never crossed my mind. It was a family decision to live in the United States and play in a league with a club that is growing and has dreams of doing big things," he said.
Messi spoke about his two seasons at PSG, where he didn’t quite feel at home: "We came from two difficult years because we had been living one way in Barcelona, and in Paris, the family was fine, but I didn’t feel comfortable day-to-day and during the training sessions. We wanted to be sure that the family was okay and that I could enjoy what I love."
Since arriving at Inter Miami, he has returned to being himself and enjoying football again. A sport in which he is about to experience something unprecedented in history with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in less than two months: "Now I enjoy it, I can't ask for anything more. I want to keep competing and winning. It's my essence, and I grew up like this," he says.
Messi arrived to the U.S. with Inter Miami team for the MLS. Photo: Inter Miami
A career that, in simple terms, could be summarized as FC Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami, but which is the sporting life of the footballer with the most titles in history.
A record for which a large part of the credit goes to his greatest and most successful era, the one Messi lived as a Blaugrana: "Being able to say that I’ve achieved everything in football is truly valuable. As I always say, at a collective level, I’ve been lucky enough to win everything at the club and national level with Barcelona, and also to achieve it with the national team. This is something I think I will appreciate more over time. That’s why I always say that I’m very grateful for it, for everything it has given me. Yes, God has given me all of that."
Argentine star flatters Barcelona's player Lamine Yamal
Messi praised the 17-year-old's immense talent, noting that Yamal is already considered one of the top players globally.
At 37, and with a record-breaking career, Messi is more than qualified to comment on young talents from La Masia, given that he once followed a similar path. “Children observe and try to mimic everything. They know all the current players, like Mbappé, Vinícius, Haaland, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal. Being so young and already so prominent is incredible,” Messi remarked about the Rocafonda native.
Given Yamal’s impressive career at FC Barcelona, he has often been compared to Messi. Messi himself embraced these comparisons, offering high praise for the young forward. “What Lamine Yamal is showing is truly impressive. What he’s already accomplished, including becoming a European champion with Spain, is remarkable," Messi said, referring to Spain's triumph in last summer's European Championship in Germany.
Messi also expressed his admiration for Yamal's potential, stating that at just 17, he is still in his growth phase and has a bright future ahead. “He has incredible qualities and is already one of the best players in the world,” Messi concluded, acknowledging the remarkable talent Yamal possesses.