Barcelona president Joan Laporta has opened up on his discussions with Lionel Messi, detailing the thought process behind the superstar’s decision to move to MLS
Barcelona’s club president Joan Laporta has detailed Lionel Messi’s reasons for snubbing an emotional return to Camp Nou this summer.
The Argentine superstar is gearing up to complete his landmark switch to Inter Miami in the coming days after rejecting the advances of the Blaugrana and the Saudi Pro League to move to MLS. The 36-year-old – widely considered to be the greatest player in the history of the sport – is due to be unveiled by the MLS outfit on July 16 and jetted into Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday to complete the deal.
Despite relocating across the Atlantic, Messi will not feel too far away from his old Catalonia home, with former Barça midfield maestro Sergio Busquets also expected to complete a transfer to the franchise. Their former teammate Jordi Alba could also join them in South Beach after leaving the club he served for a decade at the end of last month, as per the Miami Herald.
On top of this, former Barcelona boss Tata Martino has been named as Phil Neville’s successor as coach, meaning that Messi will likely find a home away from home in Vice City. It is worth noting that the World Cup winner came very close to a return to the club where he made his name earlier this summer, however.