In a seismic decision for the football world, Lionel Messi elected this week to sign for MLS' Inter Miami, rejecting an offer from former club Barcelona before it could arrive, as well as a mega-money proposal from Saudi side Al-Hilal. The Blaugrana are still limited by the financial barriers that prevented them from re-signing Messi two years ago, and couldn't guarantee the player that an official offer could arrive any time soon.
And Messi made it clear he wasn't willing to wait, verbally agreeing on a deal to join Inter Miami instead.
He outlined his decision in a lengthy interview with Spanish outlets SPORT and Mundo Deportivo, speaking extensively on his relationship with Barcelona, unhappiness at Paris Saint-Germain, and reasons for choosing Inter Miami over a more lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League.
GOAL has highlighted the best bits of his conversation...