La Liga president Javier Tebas recently disclosed that Lionel Messi was on the brink of returning to Barcelona last year. Tebas expressed his belief that Messi’s strong desire to rejoin the Catalan club could have overcome the financial challenges.
After departing Barcelona abruptly in August 2021, Messi was rumored to be considering a comeback to Camp Nou following his departure from PSG in the summer of 2023. Reports suggested that the Argentine was willing to accept a significant salary reduction to facilitate the move.
However, Barcelona was grappling with severe financial difficulties due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations at the time, making it impossible to finalize a deal.
Faced with uncertainty and no assurances from the club, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opted to change his plans and ultimately signed with Inter Miami.
Messi inked a two-and-a-half-year contract with the MLS franchise, set to expire next year. Regarding Messi’s potential return to Barcelona last summer, Javier Tebas remarked:
“Regarding Messi’s return to Barcelona last summer? Personally, due to Messi’s and Barcelona’s mutual desire, I saw it as a possibility. When there is such strong affection, many financial considerations can be set aside. I saw it as feasible. I saw it as a possibility. I am confident that Messi would have preferred to finish his career at Barcelona.”
Interestingly, Lionel Messi is now reunited with several former Barcelona teammates at Inter Miami. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez have all joined him at the MLS club.
