The La Liga leader admitted that Lionel Messi was close to returning to Barcelona in 2024
Lionel Messi chose to make the move to the United States in 2024 instead of returning Barcelona.
After his contract to Paris Saint Germain expired at the end of the 2022/23 season, Messi was offered three options to extend his career.
The Argentina captain has opted against a move to the Saudi Pro League with financial problems preventing a possible return to Barcelona.
Messi eventually agreed to a deal to join Inter Miami as part of his plan to continue playing in the coming years.
The league president Javier Tebas confirmed that Barcelona were in advanced discussions with Messi for a return to Spain, but an agreement could not be reached between the two parties.
“Because of the desire of Messi and Barcelona, I saw a return close,” as quotes from Kick, via the Daily Mirror.
“I saw it as possible. I'm sure Messi would have wanted to retire at Barça.
Messi is currently in pre-season training with Inter Miami ahead of the start of his first full campaign in Florida.
He scored 11 goals in his first months since landing in the United States alongside winning a Leagues Cup title over Nashville in August.
