La Liga president laments over Messi not returning to Barcelona: “It would have been the best”

La Liga president Javier Tebas has claimed that he is disappointed that Lionel Messi did not return to FC Barcelona this past summer as it would have been the best for all parties involved.

Having left Barcelona two years ago in 2021, Messi could have come back to his old stomping ground this summer with his PSG contract expiring.

Talks were held between the two parties and attempts were made to reach an agreement, but ultimately it was not possible due to several factors.

Tebas sad Messi didn’t return to La Liga

La Liga president Tebas lamented over the failed return attempt, saying (h/t Mundo Deportivo):

“Messi didn’t finish his career in La Liga because Leo and FC Barcelona couldn’t come to an agreement. I wish he could have stayed and finished his career in Spain. It would have been the best thing for him, for me, and for Barcelona.”

Elaborating on Messi’s move to the MLS, Tebas added: “Leo has his family and his way of thinking, and I think he has been looking for new experiences for a few years now.”

Expressing his disappointment that Messi is not finishing his career in Spain, the La Liga president further stated:

“I wish he had come to Spanish football and never left for PSG. The end of the movie between Messi and Spanish football has been sad.”

Messi thriving in MLS

Having chosen to sign for Inter Miami, Messi is thriving in the MLS and has already led his new club to their first-ever trophy.

A serious contender to win the Ballon d’Or 2023, the Barcelona legend has scored 11 goals in 11 games so far in the MLS, helping Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup and make it to the finals of the US Open Cup.