Explained: Why Barcelona didn’t maximise ‘effort’ to re-sign Lionel Messi & watched him head for MLS at Inter Miami

The Argentine icon, who brought an iconic spell at Camp Nou to a close in 2021, hit free agency over the summer after reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. There was talk of him returning to Catalunya, but no deal was done and Messi ended up heading to the United States with Inter Miami.

Masip has told SPORT when asked if a return for Messi was possible: “I think so, in the conditions that were talked about, yes. If he had been excited about coming here, an effort would have been made. In the end, everyone decides to go where they have their dreams and their life project. He gave up earning money in Arabia to go to the United States. He seems happy with his family.”

Laporta and Messi did not enjoy the strongest of working relationships towards the end of the latter’s time at Barcelona, but efforts were made to make an emotional move possible. Masip added on the reasons for the Blaugrana president wanting an all-time great back in Xavi’s squad: “The president wanted him to return because Leo’s departure had been bitter, but he had to put the club before anything else. The relationship has been rebuilt. And I think the president was right to offer him the chance to retire in a Barca shirt and open the door to pay tribute to the best player in history.”

Discussions did take place between Barca and Messi’s representatives, but he decided to step away from the brightest of professional spotlights in Europe. He has starred since linking up with David Beckham co-owned Inter Miami – helping them to Leagues Cup glory, a place in the U.S. Open Cup final and a shot at securing a play-off spot in the MLS Eastern Conference.