Lionel Messi on Failed Return to Barcelona, Reminisces: ‘A Place Always Wanted To Be’

Despite Dreaming of a Barcelona Comeback, Messi Reveals How a Return Was ‘Not Possible’.

Lionel Messi’s move to PSG from Barcelona in 2021 was not a happy one. His stint at the club was the same and it followed suit. After spending two years at the club, he decided to leave the club and the time came a little after his World Cup win in 2022.

His next move was highly anticipated as many expected an emotional return to FC Barcelona. Recently the man himself has revealed that he wanted to return to the club where he became a legend. However, that reunion never happened. In a candid interview with Simplemente Futbol, Messi opened up.

🔵🔴🎞️ Leo Messi: “I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and being able to go back to a place I always wanted to be, but it was NOT possible again”.

"After that, it became a family decision. The fact that we won the World Cup also had a big impact. I was clear that I… pic.twitter.com/hH6DZD1G68
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 17, 2025

‘It wasn’t possible again’ – Lionel Messi Reminisces

Talking to Simplemente Futbol, Messi opened up about the time he almost went back to his boyhood club. He said, “I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and being able to go back to a place I always wanted to be, but it was not possible again.”

Barcelona and Messi fans had eagerly hoped for his homecoming. However, the decision turned out to be more complicated than just sentiment. During an interview, Messi previously did with Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, Messi revealed the reason to be Barcelona’s financial struggles once again.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Says This Barcelona Youngster Started Right: ‘Just Like Me’

Just like the club couldn’t renew Messi’s contract in 2021 due to financial issues, his return in 2023 presented similar hurdles. Reports indicated the Catalans would have had to offload several players or slash their salaries to accommodate Messi’s return. Messi revealed his sentiment regarding that:

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

Family First, Not Europe

Messi further said that he was sure about what mattered most after winning the 2022 World Cup: “After that, it became a family decision. The fact that we won the World Cup also had a big impact. I was clear that I didn’t want to be at another team in Europe, I didn’t want to go to any of them.”

Also Read: Lionel Messi Set To Sign New Contract Extension With Inter Miami

Then Messi chose Inter Miami. Talking about the move he said, “The decision to come here was purely a family decision. We came to the United States, to Miami, to live this new experience.” Messi joined David Beckham’s MLS club Inter Miami in July 2023.

Since then, he has already helped the team win the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield. So far, he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Messi has not ruled out playing in the 2026 World Cup. However, he said that his future remains a blend of competition and family priorities.

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Lionel Messi

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Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.