Official: Barcelona release statement with regard to Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami | OneFootball

The Lionel Messi transfer saga has not ended in favor of Barcelona. The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner has opted to sign for Inter Miami, and explained his reasoning in full through an interview.

Ultimately, the Catalan club and its fans would have wished Messi to end his career at Barcelona; to end the story where it began. Even though this idea did not go through, Barcelona still wants to pay tribute to their icon.

Barcelona’s full statement reads:

On Monday the 5th, Jorge Messi, Messi’s father and representative, conveyed to the Club’s president, Joan Laporta, the player’s decision to sign for Inter Miami despite having a proposal presented by Barça.

President Laporta understood and respected the decision taken by Messi to want to compete in a league with fewer demands and further away from the focus and pressure to which he has been subjected in recent years.

Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a great tribute from Barcelona fans to a footballer who has been, is and will always be loved by Barça.

According to most fans, Messi not returning to Barcelona is not necessarily a negative for the club in terms of a sporting viewpoint. It hurts emotionally. It is a story that was destined to close in Barcelona – but did not.

Barcelona now have to move on and work on their summer transfer targets to reinforce the club and make them compete in Europe again. Xavi is already working on those, but we could say that the main priority did not go through.