Reveal: Why Messi Snubbed Barcelona Return – Laporta

President Joan Laporta claims that Lionel Messi declined a move back to Barcelona because of how “difficult” his time at Paris Saint-Germain was.

After Messi declared his plan to leave PSG, Barcelona launched an effort to lure him back to the team.

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Laporta asserts that he no longer has any interest in going back to Camp Nou because of his unhappy time in France, where he was jeered by supporters after being suspended for travelling to Saudi Arabia.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the president of Barcelona stated: “The player wanted it, the father wanted it, but the rhythms are different. We didn’t want what occurred the previous time.

“He explained to us that, despite wanting to join Barça, he didn’t want to endure another year of pressure-filled seasons like he had in Paris, where he had played for several very difficult seasons.

“In Miami, he would be more at ease and able to focus on the national team. It makes sense, and we’re working on a fantastic Messi homage that Barcelona should do.”

Messi established himself as a legend at Barcelona by winning everything there is to win, but after returning to the United States after a break at the end of the season, he is scheduled to join Inter Miami in the MLS.

Later this month, in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, Messi will make his Inter Miami debut.