Source: Goal
Saturday 4 November 2023 14:10:44
Lionel Messi believes his career in Europe is over after a dream return to Barcelona in the summer fell through, before he joined Inter Miami.
WHAT HAPPENED? Messi joined the MLS side over the summer, but there have been plenty of rumours that he could return to Europe before he retires. However, after winning a record eighth Ballon d'Or award on Monday, the Argentine poured water on those reports.
WHAT THEY SAID: When asked during an interview with L'Equipe if his time in Europe is over, Messi said: "Yes. Thanks to God, I had an extraordinary career in Europe and won everything I have dreamed of. Now that I have decided to come to USA, I don't think I will ever return to playing in Europe."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi also addressed rumours about a potential return to Barcelona. "I could have returned, but it wasn't like that. It was something similar to what happened in 2021. It was very similar to having to go to Paris [Saint-Germain] in 2021. I thought about returning to Barca, about my life there, about retiring there as I always wanted, but it wasn't possible."