'I'm Ready': Lionel Messi Embraces Exciting New Chapter In MLS With Inter Miami After Rejecting Barcelona Return

Apart from an option to return to Barcelona, Messi also had a lucrative offer to play in the Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.

Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Beijing, China.

Source : Getty

Legendary Argentina forward Lionel Messi is excited and pumped up for the next phase of his career. While it was already confirmed that Messi will not be signing a contract extension with the Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), it was later announced that he would be joining the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami. He said that he even though he did wanted to go back to FC Barcelona, what would have been his homecoming failed to materialise. And now Messi has said that he is ready for the challenges that lie ahead of him in the United States (US). 

"I'm well," Messi told Argentinian TV Publica. "Initially, we had a different idea [to return to Barcelona]. We're happy with the decision we have taken. I'm ready and eager to face this new challenge, this change."

Apart from an option to return to Barcelona, Messi also had a lucrative offer to play in the Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. However, he chose the offer for the David Beckham co-owned side as he wanted to focus on his family life and the day to day while also playing competitive football.

"[The decision] was an important step but at the same time, I was aware of what it meant, of what I was doing," Messi added. "We're happy."

Messi recently scored the fastest goal of his international career. He achieved the feat in a friendly game against Australia where he found the back of the net in just 79 seconds. Even though he is looking in fine form and continues to don the Argentina colours, he said that will not play the next World Cup.

"If I'm being honest, had we not won the World Cup, I would no longer be playing for the national team," Messi said. "I can't leave the national team as a world champion. I want to enjoy this," he said.