All eyes were on Barcelona as PSG announced that Messi’s contract would not be renewed and he would be allowed to leave the club for another club for free. The talks of a possible reunion between Lionel Messi and Barcelona quickly went viral, with many hoping they would see the Argentine play for his boyhood club again.
As it turned out, Messi chose a move to Inter Miami in the MLS over a Barcelona reunion or a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League. Barcelona coach Xavi was understandably disappointed with Messi’s decision as he had been on the phone with the Argentine as soon as it became obvious he wouldn’t renew his contract with PSG.
Roberto reveals Barcelona players expected Lionel Messi’s return
Lionel Messi spent 21 years with Barcelona before leaving on a free to PSG in 2021. During his time at Camp Nou, the Argentine won the Ballon d’Or six times and helped the club to two treble wins – under Guardiola and Luis Enrique. Messi currently holds the appearance and goalscoring records for the club, having scored 672 goals in 778 appearances.
Everyone expected one last dance between Messi and Barcelona before the former decided to join Inter Miami. Sergi Roberto has revealed that Barcelona players strongly believed Messi would join Barcelona after his contract expiration at PSG. “Everyone was looking forward to it, and personally, I would have liked to play with Leo again,” the Barcelona midfielder admitted. “It was the story that everyone wanted him to return home because it would have been the opportunity to give him the farewell he deserved. We tried, but it wasn’t possible.”
The move to Inter Miami has worked well so far, with Messi scoring three goals and assisting one in two games for Inter Miami. His debut was sold out in Miami, with some tickets selling for as high as $100,000. This shows how much Messi is loved in the United States.
Sergi Roberto weighs in on Mbappe’s transfer rumors
Mbappe has been linked with moving away from PSG this summer after the Frenchman told the PSG board that he would not be renewing his contract at the club beyond next season. Recently, he has been reportedly linked with many clubs, including Barcelona. Sergi Roberto has spoken on Barcelona’s chances of landing the World Cup winner.
“I don’t know if it’s viable for him to come. It’s clear that if he could come, he would be welcome because we always want the best players, but I don’t know what is happening with the players who are not at Barca,” the midfielder said.
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