Explained: Why Lionel Messi & wife Antonela Roccuzzo are ‘happy’ in the United States at Inter Miami after enduring ‘hell’ at PSG

Brazil international Neymar has claimed that he endured a nightmare in the French capital alongside his former Barcelona and PSG team-mate. Messi walked away from that situation in the summer of 2023 when becoming a free agent, with the decision taken to go chasing the American dream.

He has become a star attraction in the U.S., with his every move being followed closer than ever, but he is feeling settled in Florida alongside his wife and three children. The Sunshine State is considered to be a perfect fit for the Messis, as they embrace a more relaxed way of life in an area of the world with a large Spanish-speaking community.

Messi has been visiting the Prima Pasta restaurant in Miami for several years – helping to make that outlet famous – and owner Gerry Cea has told The Athletic of why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has his smile back: “Leo is always super cool. His family has been coming for the last 12 years. He’s always so relaxed, always smiling. Never a problem. Just a very cool person. It was a release to win the Copa America and the World Cup. Leo had so much pressure inside of him all of these years. And now he’s in Miami. The Messis love summer. I was talking to Antonela, and yes they’re new here, but being close to Argentina and the summer weather in Miami…that’s why they’re happy.”

Messi helped Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021, bringing his long wait for senior international silverware to a close, and he has gone on to lift the Finalissima trophy and World Cup at Qatar 2022. He inspired a historic Leagues Cup win for Inter Miami within weeks of his arrival in the States – making him the most-decorated player of all-time – and has more honours in his sights for 2024.