Messi opens up on decision to join Inter Miami: “Idea was different at the beginning”

Lionel Messi’s interview explaining his decision to sign for Inter Miami earlier this month both touched and broke hearts alike.

The fact that the Argentine would not return home to FC Barcelona for a fairytale swansong was not easy to accept for fans across the globe. However, his reasoning for the decision to be the burden he would create for the Blaugranas in terms of forcing player sales showed the concern he still bore for his former employers.

Earlier today, the World Cup winner once again spoke out about his decision to join Inter Miami and revealed that it was not his first option. Yet, Messi iterated that he was willing to take up the new challenge as revealed by SPORT.

“Signing for Inter Miami? I’m good, although at the beginning the idea was different. We are happy with the decision we made, prepared, and looking forward to the new challenge. I think it was an important step but at the same time I was aware of what it meant.”

He then spoke about the legacy and image he wished to leave in the world of football, saying:

“I think that whatever happens along the way you always have to try and hopefully this is the message for the new generations, who follow me so much, care for me, and defended me.

“I want to be remembered as a normal, good person, beyond the sporting side of things, and especially the people who knew me, like my teammates, to remember me as a good person.”

While the failed operation to sign Messi is not what Xavi Hernandez would have ideally wanted, it provides the Azulgranas with a chance to invest the same resources in quality players who can form the core of the team for years to come. 

The defensive midfield position would not be a bad place to start on that front, given that Barcelona are without a quality pivot after Sergio Busquets announced his departure.

Meanwhile, Messi has returned to action for the Argentine National Team and is enjoying his run as the World Champion. He was even on the scoresheet earlier today in the team’s friendly against Australia.