'He plays when he wants to' - Lionel Messi is 'three times happier at Inter Miami than in Barcelona', claims Argentina legend

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner bid farewell to Camp Nou back in 2021 after shattering countless records in Catalunya. He headed to Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, but did not enjoy the best of times alongside the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in France.

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Another new challenge was taken on in the summer of 2023, with Messi deciding to chase the American dream. He has savoured Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield success in the United States, but is still waiting on MLS Cup glory.

Messi’s desire to collect major honours continues to burn bright, but he is more relaxed in Florida after already achieving everything that he set out to do. With that in mind, fellow World Cup winner Kempes has told TNT Sports: “Messi is three times happier playing in Inter Miami than in Barcelona.”

That is said to be because Inter Miami have a “very good team” and Messi can pick and choose his moments to contribute. Kempes added: “It's not about coming in and having to be focused for the whole 90 minutes. He plays when he wants to.”

Messi has another 12 months left to run on his contract with the Herons, meaning that he will be back for the 2025 campaign. He has the option for a further year beyond that point, which would take in the 2026 World Cup finals, but no decision on his long-term future has been made as yet.