‘I am the only champion who is not recognized’ – Lionel Messi talks about Barcelona, ​Inter Miami, PSG, World Cup, Ballon d’Or, Mbappé

It has been more than two months since Lionel Messi made the decision to join Inter Miami and transition to play in the Major League Soccer.

When the 2022 FIFA World Cup champion’s contract with PSG expired in the summer, he was presented with the possibility to return to Barcelona. For the purpose of bringing him to the Middle East, there were clubs in Saudi Arabia willing to give record salary.

Messi khóc nức nở ở họp báo chia tay Barca, chưa chuẩn bị ra đi

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner ultimately decided to go to the United States, where he is thriving professionally and personally.

The former superstar of Barcelona had an intriguing conversation with Migue Granados, during which he disclosed a number of important details, including his choice to relocate to the United States, his plans for the future, and his family, amongst other things.

Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, has indicated in the past that Messi decided to sign with Inter Miami so that he could get away from all of the pressure that he has been had to deal with throughout the course of his career.

PSG's Lionel Messi wins football's Ballon d'Or for seventh time

The Argentine player addressed his decision to sign with the MLS club, where he is currently having the time of his life, by stating something along these lines:

“There are those folks who have been with me for their entire lives and are familiar with me. When I’m having a good time on the field, it definitely shows. The plan was to start relaxing a little bit as soon as possible. After working in the same field for so many years, to do things differently and to actually like it.

“My joy in being in Miami is evident to everyone… He continued by saying, “At a certain point, here it becomes more laid back.”

Argentina's World Cup title is the iconic moment Messi deserved - Sports  Illustrated

Fans in Paris appeared to be bothered by the fact that Lionel Messi’s national side won the FIFA World Cup while Messi was still playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), despite the fact that Argentina triumphed against France in the tournament’s championship match.

When asked about it, the 36-year-old athlete commented as follows: “Although I wasn’t doing well in Paris, I was a World champion while I was there. There is a purpose behind everything that takes place. It seemed as if it were our responsibility that they (France) weren’t able to defend their title. Even though I was the only participant who did not receive recognized, it was of no consequence.

Messi has stated that he has never had any issues with Kylian Mbappe, despite the fact that there have been rumors of a rift within the group and problems with the fans of PSG.

Everything went swimmingly with Kylian. According to the individual who is 36 years old, “we had a very good relationship.”

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe Headline FIFA Best Award Nominees - News18

Messi was asked about his plans after his time with Inter Miami comes to an end, and he responded by saying, “I don’t want to think about the future.” I want to have as much fun as I possibly can… Playing football is the activity that I enjoy doing the most.

When asked about the potential of playing football in Argentina again, the former captain of Barcelona responded by adding that he would not rule out the possibility.

“There was always the idea that I would be able to enjoy Argentine football, that I would play for Newell’s, and even more so that I would be a World champion…”

The Argentine player also expressed his ambition to work in the field of sports administration after he hangs up his cleats, adding, “After I retire, I’d like to become a sporting director, but I don’t know where to start. I absolutely adore instructing students on any aspect of football. I truly enjoy being a teacher.

After leading his team to victory at the World Cup, Messi is in excellent position to win a seventh Ballon d’Or, which would bring his career total to eight. Regarding the possibility of acquiring the golden orb, he remarked as follows:

“The Ballon d’Or is a magnificent honor, but I was blessed enough to win everything there is to win in football. The Champions League, various league crowns, the Copa America, the World Cup, and other prestigious competitions. These are some of the more prestigious honors.

Everything that I own is in the museum in Barcelona, where I’ve been staying. “I won everything, including the Ballon d’Or and the golden boot,” he disclosed.

Messi was asked about the forthcoming Copa America tournament and the likelihood of competing in the FIFA World Cup in the United States in 2026. His response was as follows:

“I’m not even going to think about the next World Cup just yet since it’s so far away. Concerning the upcoming Copa America, you are correct. It’s going to turn out really well. What comes next is up in the air and is dependent on how I feel. The years have gone by, and now we need to determine how I feel; I’ll take each day as it comes.

“I don’t want to contemplate what will happen after this. I want to take as much pleasure out of it as I can, and the part I enjoy the most is playing.”

When asked about his personal life, Messi disclosed that he and his partner are considering expanding their family by having another child. He also stated that he instills in his children the morals and ethics that he picked up during his time at Barcelona.

“I believe I am a good father, and I make it a point to instill in my children the same morals and ethics that were instilled in me by my parents when I was a youngster. I play by the same rules as the club I was brought up in, Barcelona… “The principles upheld by Barca are of the utmost significance,” he stated.

Messi also disclosed that he has a tattoo of the Barcelona emblem on his leg, adding, “Look, I got this tattoo to show my love for the club that made me who I am.” Messi was a member of Barcelona from the time he was a child until he was an adult.