Lionel Messi elaborates on choosing MLS, Inter Miami over Barcelona

Lionel Messi further addressed his decision to sign with Major League Soccer and club Inter Miami after a return to Barcelona failed to materialize. 

"Initially, we had a different idea [to return to Barcelona]," Messi explained during an interview with TV Publica out of Argentina, as shared by Adriana Garcia of ESPN. "We're happy with the decision we have taken. I'm ready and eager to face this new challenge, this change."

Messi announced earlier this month he expects to join MLS and Inter Miami once his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires at the end of June but later revealed he "really wanted to return to" Barcelona for at least the 2023-24 season. Multiple outlets have since pointed out that Barcelona couldn't register Messi this summer due to financial fair play limitations similar to the issues that caused him to leave the club as a free agent in 2021. 

Messi reportedly could've earned anywhere from $400M to $541M per year had he completed a move to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Hilal. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner instead sounds content to make the United States and Florida his new home. 

"It [the decision] was an important step but at the same time, I was aware of what it meant, of what I was doing," Messi said about not waiting until July to declare his intentions. "We're happy."

Messi, who turns 36 years old on June 24, indicated earlier this week he won't participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he helped Argentina win the 2022 edition of the tournament held in Qatar this past fall. In his latest comments, he suggested he has nothing left to prove at the international level. 

"I enjoyed the [Qatar] World Cup more than the previous ones because I knew it could be my last," Messi remarked. 

While nobody involved has any reason to confirm or deny such speculation at this time, it's thought individuals associated with the North American top-flight could attempt to convince Messi to play in the next World Cup that will feature games held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Such conversations can be postponed as MLS prepares to officially announce the biggest signing in league history.