I don't think ill ever return to Europe - Leo Messi

France, 

Saturday, 4 November, 2023. 

McCreadie Andias 

2023 Ballon D'OR winner Lionell Messi has announced that he will not be returning to European football again. 

During an exclusive Interview with French's L’Équipé, Messi ruled out a European return amidst rumors linking him ti a loan move to his former side FC Barcelona from Inter Miami who are currently heading to a long pre-season in America' Major Soccer league where his side failed to reach the Finals. 

“My career in Europe is over”, says Messi denying plans to leave on loan 

“Leaving Inter Miami on loan for the next months? No, not at all. It’s not a possibility to consider” Messi added. 

Messi insisted that his European chapter his closed thanks to his remarkable achievement in Europe where he played for FC Barcelona for 16 years before moving to French Champions Paris Saint Germain. 

“My European chapter closed? Yes. Thanks to God, I had extraordinary career in Europe and won everything I have dreamed of. Now that I have decided to come to USA, I don't think I will ever return to playing in Europe”.

However, Messi revealed that he was on the verge of re-joining his former club Barcelona where he craved to make a return but the move was impossible. 

“I wanted to return to Barça, it was great idea to be there, the family, my retirement there as I always wanted… but it was just not possible”.

Messi also revealed that several clubs from Europe and Saudi Arabia wanted to sign him and presented big offers to the Argentina foward when his deal with PSG came to an end but he was happy to join Inter Miami. 

“I had many offers on the table this year, very different indeed; including multiple European clubs and Saudi Arabia”.

“We decided to come to Miami and it is a decision we are happy with, we feel comfortable here”.

Messi had a sterling career in Europe dominating the stage alongside his greatest rival for more than 15 years before Ronaldo sought new ground in Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr. 

Messi started in Barcelona where his 16 years at the club earned him 4 Uefa Champions league titles, 4 Fifa Club World cups, 10 La Liga titles, 3 Uefa Super cups, 7 Spanish cups and 8 Spanish super cups. 

He went on to PSG winning the French league 1 twice and one French Super cup. 

His Career also earned him massive individual awards including the 8 Ballon D'OR s, 3 FIFA men's best player, 3 UEFA best men's player, 6 Golden Boots, 5 top scorer awards, 10 Player of the year and 4 Player of the season awards. 

His most recent award was the 2023 Ballon D'OR where he beat top contender Manchester City's Erling Haaland with 105 points according to the vote results. 

Messi scored 462 against Haaland's 357.

Leo Messi also gave doubts on participating on the 2026 FIFA world cup due to age conserns. 

“2026 World Cup? Considering the age I will be at that time, it seems difficult — but we'll see…”, told L’Equipé.