Miami, USA — Football legend Lionel Messi has opened up about his struggles during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, admitting he found little joy in his two-year spell at the French club.
The 37-year-old Argentine forward, who joined PSG in 2021 after spending 21 years at Barcelona, has since found a renewed sense of fulfillment at Inter Miami, where he moved in 2023.
Speaking in an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe (via BBC Sport), the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on his time in Paris, acknowledging that the transition was far from easy.
“The way things unfolded in my final years at PSG, I didn’t really enjoy it. I had to make a quick decision after leaving Barcelona, and those two years were difficult. I wasn’t happy, whether in training or during matches. Adapting was a struggle,” Messi admitted.
His move to Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, presented an opportunity to embrace a new challenge. He described the club as “young, ambitious, and still growing,” which aligned with his vision for the next phase of his career.
Messi’s relationship with PSG deteriorated towards the end of his tenure, with club chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi accusing him of lacking “respect” upon his departure. The Argentine also acknowledged that a section of PSG supporters had turned against him, further straining his time in France.
Since arriving in Major League Soccer, Messi has been instrumental in elevating the profile of the league, contributing 36 goals and 20 assists in 42 appearances.
Looking ahead, he expressed excitement about Inter Miami’s participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in the U.S. and feature top clubs like PSG, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
“It’s a big moment for the club to compete on this stage, and it’s great for MLS to have two teams involved. This is another step forward for football in the U.S., creating more opportunities for players and the league to grow,” Messi noted.
With his focus now set on new challenges, Messi remains committed to shaping the future of football in North America.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | March 1, 2025
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