Lionel Messi has confirmed that he has no plans to return to Europe after signing for Inter Miami this summer.
Speaking to French publication L’Equipe, the Argentine superstar revealed that he does not think he will return to Europe, with FC Barcelona again linked with a move for Messi.
The Inter Miami captain said about the rumors: “Now that I have decided to come to America, I don’t think I will ever return to playing in Europe.”
The 36-year-old last week won a historic eighth Ballon d’Or trophy as Messi become the first active MLS player to win the award.
And Messi is seemingly excited to get started again with Inter Miami, with the forward already back in the USA and preparing for winter training with the squad.
Indeed, the thought of Messi leaving Florida already seems unlikely, even with Inter Miami failing to make the post-season, and these latest comments are a huge boost for Tata Martino as well as MLS.
Messi leaving Inter Miami was always a non-starter
Having just joined Inter Miami, it would be an unusual decision for Messi to depart the MLS franchise so soon after joining, especially with how quickly the forward has adapted to life in Florida.
The Argentine international looks visibly happy to be part of Martino’s squad, with the club also doing everything they can to recruit Messi’s favourite past teammates.
With the 2024 MLS season looming, there’s every chance that Messi can enjoy one final stellar year in his career, with silverware again on Inter Miami’s agenda heading into the new year.