Lionel Messi has admitted his preference was to return to Barcelona, but the club could not confirm their proposal due to their current financial situation. Despite La Liga approving Barcelona’s financial plan to fund a move for their former talisman, Messi opted to make the move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, effectively calling time on his playing career in Europe. In a joint interview with Spanish newspapers Sport and Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday, Messi claimed that many things were missing from Barcelona’s offer, and that he was uncomfortable with the idea of the club needing to sell players in order to fund his return.
However, Barcelona dispute Messi’s claims and insist a ‘proposal’ was presented to the World Cup winner. A statement from Barcelona read: ‘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 Barca, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear blaugrana. 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 honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.