FC Barcelona issued a statement after star footballer Lionel Messi reportedly joined Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami despite receiving a “proposal” to return to his former club. In the latest release, the current La Liga champions wished Lionel Messi good luck in his future endeavours in a league with fewer demands. “On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barça, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear Blaugrana,” the statement read.

“President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years. “Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.”

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, who was in link with Saudi Arabia and Barcelona for his potential move, admitted that he wanted to return to his former club but did not want to experience what he experienced in the past. “I really wanted to return, I was very excited to be able to return, but, on the other hand, after having experienced what I experienced when I left, I didn’t want to be in the same situation again. I didn’t want to leave my future in someone else’s hands,” Messi told Spanish media on Wednesday.

“Although I heard that it was said that La Liga had accepted everything and that everything was fine for me to return, there were still many other things that had to happen. “I wanted to make my own decision and that’s why I didn’t return to Barca. Although I would have loved it, it couldn’t be. “Hopefully one day I can contribute something to the club and help because Barca is a club that I love as I always said.” It is worth mentioning here Lionel Messi parted ways with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after their last Ligue 1 2022/23 fixture against Clermont Foot.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP