Today in Sports
  • Home
  • Featured News
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • More
    • Rugby
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • Soccer
    • NBA
    • Racing
    • Cricket
  • DMCA
  • Disclaimer
  • Cookie Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Featured News
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • More
    • Rugby
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • Soccer
    • NBA
    • Racing
    • Cricket
No Result
View All Result
Today in Sports
No Result
View All Result

Lionel Messi wanted to return to Barcelona after 2022 FIFA World Cup — But a bizarre turn of events paved the way for Lamine Yamal

April 18, 2025
in Football
0
Home Football
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


You might also like

Academy Match Report: Manchester City U21 2-0 Manchester United U21 – Man United News And Transfer News

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni speaks out on Brazil links amid Carlo Ancelotti negotiations

Why Juventus wants Thiago Motta to get a new job as soon as possible

Lionel Messi, one of soccer’s most storied magicians, once again found himself at the center of the sport’s most compelling “what if.” In a recent candid interview, the Inter Miami forward opened up about what was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming to Barcelona after the 2022 World Cup—a move that ultimately never materialized, for reasons stranger than most fans could have expected.

As always with Messi, the spotlight eventually falls on more than just his on-pitch brilliance. This time, the story ripples through administrative deadlock, a reluctant decision made for family peace, and—most intriguingly—the unexpected rise of a young prodigy who might never have emerged as quickly had Messi returned. Let’s go back to the moment where the dream began to unravel.

After a dramatic summer in 2020, Messi stayed put at Barcelona for one final season—an emotional goodbye followed in 2021, when the club, tangled in financial turmoil, couldn’t afford to renew his contract. Tears flowed, Paris Saint-Germain stepped in, and the Argentine moved to France, still unsure if his heart had left Catalonia.

The PSG chapter had a rocky beginning, but it culminated in Messi reclaiming his magic, especially during Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup campaign. When that triumph ended, Messi was once again out of contract, and the soccer world waited breathlessly. Would he return to Camp Nou? Would the king go home? He certainly wanted to.

Lionel Messi World Cup

“After the World Cup, I couldn’t see myself playing for any other European team other than Barca,” Messi told Simplemente Futbol. “My goal was to return. To return to my home, where it all began. But unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.”

Bizarre twist: Why Messi didn’t return at Camp Nou

The answer wasn’t simple—and it wasn’t just about money. Even though Messi was willing to drastically reduce his salary, La Liga’s financial rules stood in the way. Under the watchful eye of league president Javier Tebas, Barcelona was required to operate under strict salary regulations. Unlike previous eras, no exemptions would be made—not even for Leo Messi.

“I heard that they had to sell players or reduce players’ salaries,” he explained. “And the truth is that I didn’t want to go through that or take responsibility for something related to all of that.”

Though Messi and Barcelona president Joan Laporta were in constant contact—trying to bridge past differences and work something out—the league’s 40% rule, a constraint on teams not within the 1:1 salary structure, proved insurmountable. Tebas remained firm. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Leo Messi or Kylian Mbappe. Economic control must be complied with. There will be no special concessions.”

Ultimately, the superstar made a personal choice—not a financial one. “The decision to come here [to Miami] was purely a family decision,” he said. “We came to the United States, to live this new experience.”

Lamine Yamal: Silver lining no one saw coming

While Barcelona mourned what felt like a missed fairytale ending, the club found a surprising gift in the ashes: Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old winger, dazzling with his fearless creativity and sublime technical touch, has quickly become one of the most explosive talents in Europe. In just 45 appearances this season, he has been directly involved in 35 goals, earning comparisons with a young Messi.

And perhaps most significantly, his rapid rise might never have happened had Messi returned. The Argentine legend himself seems to think so. “It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal shows… he’s already been a Euro champion with Spain,” Messi added. “He’s still only 17, he’s in a growth process, and he’ll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did. He has incredible qualities and he’s already one of the best players in the world.”

Had Messi returned, Yamal’s development may have been delayed—his chances limited under the shadow of a returning king. Instead, the stage was clear. The crown wasn’t handed over—it was earned, and earned quickly.



Source link

Tags: BarcelonabizarrecupeventsFIFAInter Miamila ligaLamineLamine YamalLionelLionel MessiMessiMLSpavedreturnturnWantedWorldWorld CupWorld Soccer NewsYamal
Share30Tweet19

Recommended For You

Academy Match Report: Manchester City U21 2-0 Manchester United U21 – Man United News And Transfer News

by TODAY IN SPORTS
May 9, 2025
0
Academy Match Report: Manchester City U21 2-0 Manchester United U21 – Man United News And Transfer News

1 Manchester United U21s took on rivals Manchester City at the Joie Stadium on Friday night in the Premier League 2 semi-finals. City were expected to be one...

Read more

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni speaks out on Brazil links amid Carlo Ancelotti negotiations

by TODAY IN SPORTS
May 9, 2025
0
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni speaks out on Brazil links amid Carlo Ancelotti negotiations

Dorival Junior’s departure has sparked a wave of speculation about who will take over as Brazil’s next national team coach, with Carlo Ancelotti widely considered the front-runner. Surprisingly,...

Read more

Why Juventus wants Thiago Motta to get a new job as soon as possible

by TODAY IN SPORTS
May 9, 2025
0
Why Juventus wants Thiago Motta to get a new job as soon as possible

Juventus parted ways with Thiago Motta in March following a disappointing spell in charge, yet the former manager remains under contract and continues to draw a salary from...

Read more

Double injury boost & Brazilian right-back linked – Latest Liverpool FC News – Liverpool FC

by TODAY IN SPORTS
May 9, 2025
0
Double injury boost & Brazilian right-back linked – Latest Liverpool FC News – Liverpool FC

Arne Slot reacted to Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s exit announcement and Alexis Mac Allister won a prize, as Friday brought good news on two previously absent Liverpool players. Today’s Main...

Read more

Joe Gomez BACK in training as 26-man Liverpool squad train ahead of Arsenal – Liverpool FC

by TODAY IN SPORTS
May 9, 2025
0
Joe Gomez BACK in training as 26-man Liverpool squad train ahead of Arsenal – Liverpool FC

Liverpool were back in training on Friday after an extended break following the trip to Chelsea, with Joe Gomez finally marking his return to first-team training. Gomez has...

Read more
Next Post
Slot: Keeping Van Dijk and Salah shows Liverpool´s ambitions

Slot: Keeping Van Dijk and Salah shows Liverpool´s ambitions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

Giants pass on Shedeur Sanders, still take QB

Giants pass on Shedeur Sanders, still take QB

April 12, 2025
Andy Robertson believes he has been ‘scapegoated’ but will “prove them wrong” – Liverpool FC

Andy Robertson believes he has been ‘scapegoated’ but will “prove them wrong” – Liverpool FC

March 30, 2025
Eddie Howe wants Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino

Eddie Howe wants Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino

March 19, 2025

Browse by Category

  • Athletics
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Golf
  • MMA
  • NBA
  • NFL
  • Racing
  • Rugby
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
Today in Sports

Get the Latest Sports News and Updates on TodayInSports.net. Soccer News, Basketball News, Baseball News, Golf News, Boxing News and More!

CATEGORIES

  • Athletics
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Golf
  • MMA
  • NBA
  • NFL
  • Racing
  • Rugby
  • Soccer
  • Tennis

Recent News

  • Academy Match Report: Manchester City U21 2-0 Manchester United U21 – Man United News And Transfer News
  • Self-Sabotage? Former UFC champ continues handicapping herself by fighting in wrong division | UFC 315
  • Italian Open 2025 Day 3 Recap
  • Contact us
  • Cookie Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA
  • Get the Latest Sports News and Updates on TodayInSports.net.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2024 Today in Sports.
Today in Sports is not responsible for the content of external sites.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Featured News
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • More
    • Rugby
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • Soccer
    • NBA
    • Racing
    • Cricket

Copyright © 2024 Today in Sports.
Today in Sports is not responsible for the content of external sites.