Barcelona president Joan Laporta has shed light on why Lionel Messi did not join the club this summer, despite Barcelona being his preferred choice, according to reports from Sportskeeda.
After Messi announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona was seen as the frontrunners to re-sign the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Laporta has now revealed that Messi’s desire to take a break from the spotlight, following his challenging two years at PSG, led him to choose a move to MLS side Inter Miami.
Despite Barcelona offering the 36-year-old superstar a return to Camp Nou, discussions with Messi’s father, Jorge, indicated that he preferred a break from European football.
It’s worth noting that Messi still holds the record as Barcelona’s all-time leading goal scorer, having scored an impressive 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 appearances for the Catalan giants.
Barca to host Messi tribute
The date for a prospective farewell to the superstar at Camp Nou has been confirmed by Joan Laporta, according to Goal, thus Lionel Messi is poised to make a historic return to Barcelona.
The day the Spotify Camp Nou opens, according to Laporta, would be a great time to pay a particular tribute to Messi, who joined Inter Miami this summer.
The president of Barcelona continued by expressing his sadness about having to say goodbye to Messi in 2021 because Barca was unable to pay for the legendary player to sign a new deal.
Messi’s Intentions in the MLS
Earlier, it was reported Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets are expected to be unveiled as new Inter Miami players. The latter’s signing has already been announced, while Messi’s is expected in the near future.