Lionel Messi Reveals Truth Behind Shock Inter Miami Transfer

Lionel Messi has opened up about the reasons behind his decision to join Inter Miami, revealing that his challenging time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was a key factor in his move to Major League Soccer (MLS). In a recent interview, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted that his two-year stint in France was far from enjoyable and ultimately led to his decision to join the American league.

Messi, who won two Ligue 1 titles and the French Super Cup with PSG, departed the club in 2023, opting to move to Miami as a free agent. Reflecting on his time in Paris, the 37-year-old explained that he struggled to adapt to the new environment, both on and off the pitch. His struggles in Paris were evident as the star-studded trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Messi failed to meet expectations.

“Signing for Inter Miami was an opportunity because of how things went during my time in Paris,” Messi said. “I had to leave Barcelona, and I spent two years that I didn’t enjoy. I wasn’t happy on a daily basis, whether it was the training sessions or the games—it was difficult to adjust.”

Messi’s 2021 departure from Barcelona was heartbreaking for both the player and fans, as the club’s financial struggles made his retention impossible. He then signed a two-year contract with PSG, but his time there became increasingly difficult, especially after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Following Argentina’s World Cup triumph, Messi also faced backlash from PSG fans, who booed him after the team’s underwhelming Champions League campaign. His situation worsened when he was suspended by the club for taking an unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia, which caused him to miss a training session.

Despite receiving a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, Messi chose to continue his career in MLS, believing that he could make a positive impact on the league’s growth.

Since joining Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has transformed the club’s fortunes, helping them win their first-ever Leagues Cup and drawing global attention to football in the United States. The move has also been successful for the Argentine in terms of statistics, as he currently has 36 goals and 20 assists in just 42 appearances across all competitions.