Lionel Messi, one of football’s most stored sorcerers, was again in the middle of the sport’s most convincing “What if.” In a new sincere interview, Inter Miami opened forward about what was shall be a triumphant homecoming to Barcelona After the World Cup 2022 – a move that in the end was never realized, for reasons that Stranger than most fans could have expected.
As always with Messi, the limelight eventually falls on more than just his brilliance in place. This time, the story ripples through administrative deadlock, a reluctant decision made for the family’s peace and – most exciting –The unexpected increase in a young grandchild who may never have emerged so quickly if Messi had returned. Let’s go back to the moment where the dream began to loosen.
After a dramatic summer 2020, Messi stayed at Barcelona for a final season – an emotional goodbye followed in 2021, when the club, tangled in financial concern, could not afford to renew its contract. Tears flowedThe Paris Saint-Germain enteredAnd the Argentine moved to France, still unsure if his heart had left Catalonia.
The PSG chapter had a rocky beginning, but it culminated with Messi recovering his magic, especially during Argentina’s Victorious 2022 World Cup campaign. When that triumph ended, Messi was again out of contractAnd the football world was waiting for a breath. Would he return to Camp Nou? Would the king go home? He really wanted to.
Lionel Messi World Cup
“After the World Cup I couldn’t see myself playing for any European team other than Barca,” Told Messi Simply football. “My goal was to return. To return to my home, where it all began. But unfortunately it was not possible.”
Bizarre Twist: Why Messi didn’t return to Camp Nou
The answer was not easy – and it was just about money. Although Messi was willing to drastically reduce his salary, La liga’s financial rules stood in the way. Under the watchful eye of the league President Javier Tebas, Barcelona was obliged to operate according to strict salary rules. Unlike previous eras, no exceptions would be made – not even for Leo Messi.
“I heard they had to sell players or reduce the players’ wages“ He explained. “And the truth is that I did not want to go through it or take responsibility for something related to all this.”
Although Messi and Barcelona President Joan Laporta were in constant contact – tried to bridge previous differences and train something – The league’s 40% rulea restriction of teams not within the 1: 1 wage structure, turned out to be insurmountable. Tebas remained firm. “It doesn’t matter if it is Leo Messi or Kylian Mbappe. Financial control must be followed. There will be no special concessions.”
In the end, the superstar made a personal choice – not an economic. “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 story ending, the club found a surprising gift in the box: Lamin Yamal. The 17-year-old wing, dazzling with its fearless creativity and sublime technical touch, has quickly become One of the most explosive talents in Europe. In just 45 performances this season he has been directly involved in 35 goalsEarn comparisons with a young Messi.
And perhaps most important, his rapid rise may never have happened if Messi returned. The Argentine legend seems to believe it itself. “It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal shows … He has already been a euro champion with Spain,” Messi added. “He is still only 17, he is in a growth process and he will continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just as I did. He has incredible qualities and he is already one of the best players in the world.”
Had Messi returned, Yamal’s development may have been delayed – his chances limited in the shadow of a recurring king. Instead, the scene was clear. The crown was not handed over – it was served and served quickly.
