Lionel Messi rules out returning to Europe and wants to stay with Miami

At FC Barcelona, ​​he won all the titles that could be won at once. With Paris Saint-Germain he became French champion and cup winner. Lionel Messi now plays in the United States and categorically rules out a return to Europe: “Is the European season closed for me? Yes.” The Argentine said in an interview with the French sports newspaper: “Thank God I had an exceptional career in Europe, and I won everything I dreamed of.” L’Equipe.

The 36-year-old added: “Now that I have decided to go to the United States, I don’t think I will play in Europe again during my professional career.” The world champion leaves open the possibility of returning after the end of his professional career. Many fans want ‘La Pulga’, as Messi is called in Spain, to later work for youth club Barcelona. The striker wanted to end his career anyway at the club he loved, which he left in 2021 after 19 years, but “it just wasn’t possible.” “It was a great idea to be there with the family to finish my career as I always wanted,” Messi admits, and the ten-time Spanish champion did not explain why a reunion with Barcelona did not work out.

Recently, rumors have spread about the Argentine’s possible loan to Barcelona, ​​with coach Xavi also campaigning for his former teammate. With his current club, Inter Miami, Messi missed out on qualifying for the MLS North American League qualifiers. Miami will not return to competition until the end of February 2024. However, the four-time Champions League winner does not want to collect the award during this time. Messi confirmed: “This is not the possibility I am thinking about.” Rather, he wanted to “enjoy his free time with his family,” as he announced in mid-October.

Messi in the 2026 World Cup? “we will see”

Just on Monday, Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or, which he dedicated to his native Argentina. Despite being 36 years old, the world champion is not yet thinking about ending his career. Messi does not even rule out participating in the 2026 World Cup: “Given my age at that time, it seems difficult – but we will see…” says the Albiceleste captain ambiguously.

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