Peace of mind instead of money or drama: Lionel Messi explains his move to the US Mike Tyson collects millions in fees, bites before the fight, then gets knocked out

First, in an interview with Spanish sports newspapers Mundo Deportivo and Sport, Messi makes it clear that money was not a factor in his decision. Speaking about the negotiations with Barcelona, ​​the 35-year-old says:

It is not clear how much Messi actually skimmed off a transfer to Al-Hilal in the Arabian Peninsula. The information fluctuated between 200 and 500 million euros – per year.

The Argentine superstar is also royally rewarded in the US. However, nothing is officially known about the exact details of his contract with co-owner David Beckham’s club. The US league and tech giant Apple are rumored to be paying a portion of Messi’s wages.

So it wasn’t about the money – so what? Messi explains in detail why he is attracted to the US Or rather: he explains in great detail why he will not take Barcelona back with his old love.

He heard that the Spanish league gave the green light for the transfer. But “really many things” were not clear that ultimately allowed a return to Barça. The prospect that it could succeed and then fail again – he certainly didn’t want that from his children:

When asked by journalists, Messi said he was not sure that those responsible for Barcelona would have done everything they could to make his return possible. He explained: “I’m sure there are people in the club, in the board, who don’t want me to return to Barcelona and would see it as a negative for the club.”

He only knows what the Barca coach and his former teammate Xavi told him. He talked to him a lot. Messi also said he does not want to be responsible for Barça having to sell players for him or cut salaries.

Two years ago, when he was about to leave Barcelona, ​​he was accused of many things that were not true. He was tired of that and didn’t want to go through that again.

So why the US and Miami and not another team in Europe? He had offers from European clubs, but the only team to question in Europe was Barça. And when he realized there were too many uncertainties surrounding a return, his decision became clear.

Messi has in no way broken with Barcelona due to the recent failed negotiations. He explains in the interview that he would like to work for Barcelona again one day – in whatever role.

And even in Barcelona, ​​the affection for Messi seems unchanged (at least officially). The club issued a media statement saying that President Laporta would understand and respect Messi’s decision.

Together with Messi’s father Jorge, a worthy tribute should also be organized for him to “honour a footballer who was loved by Barca and always will be”.