After a failed attempt to make a dream return to Barcelona in the summer, Lionel Messi now holds the belief that his career in Europe has reached its conclusion.
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami during the last summer transfer window. Despite ongoing rumors suggesting a potential return to Europe before his retirement, Messi dismissed these speculations following his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or win on Monday.
When asked during an interview with L’Equipe if his time in Europe is over, Messi said: “Yes. Thanks to God, I had an extraordinary career in Europe and won everything I have dreamed of. Now that I have decided to come to USA, I don’t think I will ever return to playing in Europe.”
Messi also addressed rumours about a potential return to Barcelona. “I could have returned, but it wasn’t like that. It was something similar to what happened in 2021. It was very similar to having to go to Paris [Saint-Germain] in 2021. I thought about returning to Barca, about my life there, about retiring there as I always wanted, but it wasn’t possible.”
Inter Miami’s failure to qualify for the MLS playoffs implies that Lionel Messi will not engage in competitive club football until March.
However, a friendly match has been scheduled to commemorate his Ballon d’Or achievement, set to take place next week. Reports have emerged suggesting that once his two-year contract with Inter Miami concludes in 2025, Messi might consider a return to his first club, Newell’s Old Boys.
