New Delhi: The Argentine star Lionel Messi has revealed that his difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) influenced his decision to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). Reflecting on his difficult two-year tenure in France, Messi admitted that adjusting to life at PSG after leaving FC Barcelona as a free agent was difficult.
Messi’s departure to PSG in 2021 sparked widespread enthusiasm in the football world after Barcelona failed to prolong his contract due to financial restrictions. However, his time in Paris did not go as expected. Speaking with Apple Music, the Inter Miami captain discussed his troubles at the club, which influenced his decision to accept David Beckham’s offer to join Inter Miami in 2023.
The 2022 World Cup winner said, “Signing for Inter (Miami) was an opportunity because of the way things went in my last years in Paris.” Messi added further, “It was a decision I had to make because I had to leave Barcelona and I spent two years that I didn’t enjoy. I wasn’t happy on a day-to-day basis, with the training sessions, the games, I found it hard to adapt to all that.”
Despite winning two Ligue 1 titles and the 2022 French Super Cup, Messi did not leave the impression expected of an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. He managed to score 32 goals and 35 assists in 75 appearances but not the astronomical impact many expected, especially with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe flanking him in PSG’s attack.
PSG’s back-to-back Champions League defeats exacerbated Messi’s troubles and resentment grew among the club’s fans. The dissatisfaction grew when Messi suffered criticism from his own fans and was even punished by PSG for an unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia at a time when suspicions of a move to Al Hilal were circulating.
Messi about his new home Inter Miami
Speaking about his new club, Messi said, “I think this is very important for the club, especially, to participate for the first time in a World Cup that will take place in the country and for the MLS to have two teams is a wonderful thing.” He concluded by saying, “Everything that’s happening creates an opportunity for the MLS to keep growing in football as a league. And for other players to have the opportunity to come and keep growing.”
Leo Messi reflects on life and his career so far with @zanelowe as he starts the journey toward the 2025 @MLS Cup with @InterMiamiCF. Watch the full interview now and catch every match with #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV. https://t.co/n7Wpy1fAgx pic.twitter.com/lLxTaQvPm8
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) February 28, 2025
Messi appears to be in better shape at Inter Miami. The Argentine has already scored 26 goals and given 20 assists in 42 games, helping the club capture the Supporters’ Shield. Messi has discovered joy in football again at Miami as he is surrounded by old faces like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, and managed by Javier Mascherano.
Lionel Messi reveals his struggles at PSG influenced his move to Inter Miami, where he rediscovered his joy for football alongside former Barcelona teammates. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
