Against all odds and after leading Argentina to a historic 2022 World Cup victory, Lionel Messi made a surprising move in 2023, joining Inter Miami at the age of 36. Now, after more than a year in Major League Soccer, Messi has opened up about the reasons behind his decision to join the league.
After leaving Paris Saint-Germain following the expiration of his contract, Messi was linked with several potential destinations, including a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. However, in an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, the Argentine superstar shared his thought process:
“I always had it in my mind to play in the MLS. I think I said it more than once. It was a league that caught my attention and it was something I wanted to do… I felt called to come to Inter because it’s a club that’s growing, very new with few years as a club. I liked the idea of coming and help the club to become a greater club,” the Argentine admitted.
The 36-year-old also spoke about the city of Miami, revealing how his family’s comfort played a key role in the decision: “I also knew it was a city that my family and I would enjoy, although I didn’t know it so well because I had come only a few times. I knew about it, because I have family and friends that visited and visit the city and I thought it was the right time and I don’t regret it, quite the opposite.”
Messi also reflected on his time at PSG, calling it a challenging period for both him and his family. He shared that his decision to join Inter Miami was influenced by both personal and professional reasons, marking a new chapter in his career.
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Messi on Inter Miami’s ambitions
Though Inter Miami is one of the youngest franchises in MLS, the team had struggled to contend for titles in its early years. However, that all changed with Messi’s arrival, which brought an influx of world-class talent including Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino.
When discussing Inter Miami’s future, Messi made the club’s goals clear. “I think that the team we have today is built to try to win a championship. I think there was a good adaptation from the boys that came, with the young folks that the club and the team had,” the Argentine stated.
The soccer icon also emphasized the importance of youth development for the long-term success of the club: “I think that’s the objective that has to remain, to aspire to get titles, keep helping the club to grow and that the youth that are emerging from the club have the chance to keep showing up, keep playing in the Inter, play in MLS and give the opportunity to those who have a dream and fight to achieve it. I think that’s the path.”
