Barcelona Issue Statement in Response to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Transfer

• Barcelona have issued a statement after they missed out on the signing of Lionel Messi
• Messi completed a move to Inter Miami, ending speculation about his future
• Barcelona have agreed to host a proper tribute from the fans to honour him

Lionel Messi announced on Wednesday that he will move to the MLS and join Inter Miami after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires.

Messi reportedly rejected a lucrative offer to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal and also turned down the chance to rejoin his former club Barcelona.

The 35-year-old left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 due to the club's economic situation. It was also their ongoing financial issues that were a factor behind his decision to pass up the chance of a reunion.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo and Sport, Messi said:

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"I really wanted to return to Barca but after having lived through what I went through and the departure I had.

"I didn't want to be in the same situation again... Waiting to see what was going to happen and leaving my future in someone else's hands."

Barcelona react to Messi’s decision

After failing in their quest to re-sign their club legend, Barcelona have issued a statement, confirming that they had presented Messi with a proposal.

The statement, as seen on Barcelona.com, read:

On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player's father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player's decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barca, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear Blaugrana.

"President Laporta understood and respected Messi's decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.

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"Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca."

Messi won 35 major honours during his time as a Barcelona player, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.

The World Cup winner is also the club's all-time top scorer after racking up 672 goals in 778 appearances for the Catalan giants.

Inter Miami, who are sitting at the foot of the MLS Eastern Conference, released a 32-second video via their social media channels to confirm the imminent arrival of the Argentina international.

NBA welcome Messi to MLS

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the NBA welcomed Messi to the MLS.

Basketball stars quickly sent welcoming messages to the 2022 World Cup winner on social media after it was confirmed he was heading to Florida.

Phoenix Suns star, Kevin Durant’s message carried a competitive tone as he is a minority owner at Philadelphia Union, who plays Messi’s new club on his birthday, 24 June.