Lionel has revealed why he’s joining Inter Miami rather than make the “dream” return to Barcelona he “really wanted”.
The legend admitted he’s been “unhappy” at PSG but feared Barca would have to “sell players or reduce salaries” to fit him in.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 35, has surprised many by choosing David Beckham’s MLS side, Miami over a bigger-money Saudi move.
But a Nou Camp reunion was the main alternative he had in mind.
The Argentinian World Cup winner told Mundo Deportivo and Sport: “I’ve been supporting Barca during the year. I’m a fan.
“I spoke to (manager) Xavi a lot, we discussed and we always had frequent exchanges.
“I heard reports of La Liga giving the green light but the truth is that many, really many things were still missing in order to make my return to Barca happen
“I didn’t want to be responsible for them to sell players or reduce salaries. I was tired.”
He added: “I really wanted to return to Barça, I had that dream.
“But after what happened two years ago, I did not want to be in the same situation again, leaving my future in the hands of someone else.”
Instead he believes his move to the MLS will help him “rediscover joy”.
Messi said: “I’m at a point where I want to step out of the spotlight a bit, think more about my family.
“I had two years where I was so unhappy on a personal level that I didn’t enjoy it.
“I had that month that was spectacular for me because of winning the World Cup, but apart from that, it was a difficult period for me.
“I want to rediscover joy, enjoy my family, my children, the day-to-day.”
