Lionel Messi admitted he wanted to return to Barcelona again, but the circumstances weren’t right again. He also expressed his admiration for his former coach, Pep Guardiola.
The Flea specifically spoke about the period after the 2022 World Cup, when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in the summer of 2023 and he was linked with a return to the Catalan club.
Messi said, “I intended to return to Barcelona because it’s where I’ve always wanted to be, but it wasn’t possible again, and after that, the decision became a family one.”
He added, “Winning the World Cup also influenced my decision. I was clear that I didn’t want to play for another club in Europe, only Barcelona, and things didn’t go as I had hoped.”
Messi eventually settled at Inter Miami, where he is currently in his second year with the American club and is on track to renew his contract for another year.
The 36-year-old praised Pep Guardiola, saying, “He’s from another world.”
He continued, “In fact, Guardiola did a bit of damage to football. Many wanted to play like we did at Barcelona, but we were a very special team. Everything was perfect between the players and the coach.”
It’s worth noting that Guardiola has consistently praised Messi, considering him the best in history and refusing to compare him to any other player.
