'It became a family decision' - Lionel Messi reveals why he didn't return to Barcelona with admission that he refused move to European rivals

In an interview with Simplemente Futbol, Messi shared the revelation that he has wanted to return to Barcelona since leaving. When a move back to Catalonia after leaving PSG fell through, his World Cup success, the needs of his family and a reticence to play for another European team ultimately facilitated his transfer to Inter Miami and MLS.

Reporting in 2023 suggested ongoing financial sanctions against the club would have required Barcelona to sell multiple players to afford Messi's agreed salary of £21m a year. Ultimately, it was decided a move wasn't possible.

Messi said: "I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and being able to go back to a place I always wanted to be, but it was not possible again.

"After that, it became a family decision. The fact that we won the World Cup also had a big impact. I was clear that I didn’t want to be at another team in Europe, I didn’t want to go to any of them."

Inter Miami are back in action on April 19 when they travel to Columbus Crew in MLS.