After almost two decades at FC Barcelona, the latter’s financial fair play problems in La Liga forced Argentinian striker Lionel Messi to leave Catalonia, more than a month after the end of his contract. A forced departure which then brought him to Paris Saint-Germain in the wake of the failure of the Barcelona sports management. Two seasons spent in the club of the capital, which will leave a rather bitter taste to the Parisian supporters and to the Pulga, which will not have had an easy stay in Paris despite its 32 goals and 35 assists.
But in these 75 games in all competitions in two years, premature eliminations in the Champions League have tarnished his time with the Rouge-et-Noir as well as his lack of investment. Left at the end of his lease with the reigning double champions of France, the star striker had the choice for his end of career, between a return to FCB or an exile in Saudi Arabia. He finally chose to discover MLS under the colors of Inter Miami, owned by former English glory David Beckham. It didn’t take long for Messimania to take over Florida…
“Coming to PSG was neither desired nor planned…”
Presented to journalists this Thursday after having already scored 9 goals with the Herons in 6 matches, bringing them to the final of the League’s Cup (competition between American and Mexican clubs), the sevenfold Ballon d’Or returned to his forced arrival at PSG : “I am very happy because it was my choice to come to Inter Miami, unlike Paris, it was a quick decision. Coming to PSG was neither wanted nor planned, I never wanted to leave Barcelona. It was overnight. (…) It was difficult, but fortunately, it is very different from what is happening to me today in Miami.
These words therefore confirm his discomfort at Paris Saint-Germain, where he had never really managed to adapt. On the contrary, his arrival in Florida seems to do him the greatest good: “As soon as I arrived, the welcome was impressive. It’s a city where there are a lot of Latinos, which also makes things easier. Latinos are closer, more demonstrative. They always show you affection, closeness. It’s the most important, healthiest and most enjoyable thing about being able to settle in and enjoy what you’re doing.” The message passed to Paris.
