Renowned footballer Lionel Messi has spoken out against Paris St-Germain, emphasizing that he never had the intention of leaving Barcelona after his tumultuous departure from the French club earlier this year.
After facing criticism from fans for not meeting his usual high standards, Messi made a lucrative move to Miami last month, bringing an end to his turbulent tenure in Paris.
During his final weeks in the French capital, he faced a brief suspension from PSG for missing practice while on an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia with his family.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner subsequently departed the club to join Inter Miami, where he has made a strong start by scoring nine goals in his first six matches.
During his initial press conference as an Inter player, Messi took a dig at PSG by asserting that he never desired to join them from Barcelona originally, as he felt compelled to leave his childhood club in 2021 due to its financial struggles.
When questioned about his happiness in Miami, Messi stated, ‘I am thrilled about the upcoming game to sustain that joy. I have been content right from the start.’
‘Our decision to come to this city was a deliberate one made over time. It wasn’t a spontaneous choice, and that’s why everything feels much smoother. We are where we want to be, and it was our choice, which is why everything feels much more manageable,’ he added.
‘I didn’t want to depart [Barcelona] for PSG abruptly. I wanted to remain in Barcelona, but I had to adapt to a new environment, different from the one I had been accustomed to in terms of the city.’
‘It was challenging in Paris, but my experience here is quite the opposite.’
Just one month into his stint in Miami, Messi is poised to lead Inter to their first title in the upcoming Leagues Cup final against Nashville this weekend.
‘It would be extraordinary for me, the fans, and the club itself,’ Messi remarked on the possibility of winning the Leagues Cup.
‘The club is striving for growth, making significant investments to build a team that sets a benchmark and claims titles. It would be remarkable, fantastic.
‘The support from the Inter supporters at the matches is heartening. The stadium is always packed when we play at home.’
‘It’s a relatively new club, established just three years ago, and securing the inaugural title would be a significant achievement for everyone.’
