‘Lionel Messi would have liked to retire at Barcelona’ - Inter Miami star’s return to Catalonia was ‘close’, says La Liga president Javier Tebas, before eventual move to MLS

Kick TV, via The Mirror, reports that a Tebas interview revealed that La Liga, Barcelona and Messi himself were "close" to a reunion, but it never came to fruition. Instead, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner opted to travel stateside and join MLS club Inter Miami.

"Personally, because of Messi's and Barca's desire, I saw it as close," he said, translated from a Spanish livestream on Kick. "When there is that affection, many economic issues are left aside. I saw it as possible. I saw it as close. I am sure that Messi would have liked to retire at Barca."

The Argentine responded to rumors of his desire to retire in Catalonia back in June 2023. He confirmed them, but also logically explained that the best scenario for both parties would be to end things where they originally ended.

"I really wanted, I was very excited to be able to return [to Barcelona], but after having experienced what I experienced and the exit I had [last time], I did not want to be in the same situation again - waiting to see what was going to happen. I heard that they had to sell players or lower players' salaries, and the truth is that I didn't want to go through that, nor take charge of obtaining something that had to do with all that."

Messi has had immense success since joining the Herons in MLS. Inter Miami won the inaugural Leagues Cup, and their Argentine superstar claimed the Golden Boot in that tournament. However, their talisman suffered spell on the sidelines due to injury late in the campaign, which saw them miss out on the 2023 MLS Playoffs.

The Herons wrap up their 2024 MLS World Tour preseason journey with a visit to the Argentine's hometown club, Newell's Old Boys. Then, their 2024 MLS campaign begins on February 21 against USMNT prospect Diego Luna and Real Salt Lake.