Barcelona released a statement on Wednesday night to clarify they had unsuccessfully attempted to sign Lionel Messi this summer following his Paris Saint-Germain exit.
The Argentine superstar confirmed on Wednesday night that he was joining MLS club Inter Miami in a wide-ranging interview discussing the decision. It came following the conclusion of his two-year stay in the French capital.
Messi spoke of his decision to move to Florida despite having other options on the table. In an apparent meeting between father and agent Jorge Messi and Barca President Joan Laporta on Tuesday ramped up rumours that Messi would again make his mark at the club where he scored an incredible 672 goals over a 17-year stint, two years after his exit.
In April, Barcelona transfer chiefs confirmed contact had been made with Messi regarding a potential return to the Camp Nou. Xavi and multiple Barca players had spoken of their hope of a sensational return for the Argentine this summer, but that will not be happening despite a ‘proposal’ being made by the club.
“On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player's decision to join Inter Miami,” a Barcelona statement read, before continuing, “despite having been presented with a proposal from Barça, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear blaugrana.
“President Laporta understood and respected Messi's decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.
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“Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barça fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barça.”
Messi appeared to have already pre-empted the Barcelona statement by clarifying his own position in an interview – conducted jointly with Sport and Mundo Deportivo in Paris on Wednesday – by stating: "A proposal (from Barcelona) was sent across, but there was never a formal, written, signed proposal."
Messi explained that his decision to go to Miami was based on what he believed would be the best lifestyle to combine with his football career, while a return to the Catalan capital was not possible: "I heard that they [Barca] had to sell players or lower players' salaries and the truth is that I didn't want to go through that."
