Messi's Truth: "After the World Cup, I couldn't see myself on any other team than Barça, but..."

The icon of Barcelona and world football, Leo Messi, gave a heartfelt interview to the YouTube channel of 'Simplemente Fútbol', hosted by journalists 'Quique' and Pedro Wolff. In this pleasant conversation of just over 50 minutes, the Rosario native addressed a large number of topics, highlighting his relationship with FC Barcelona and some of the most important moments of his career.

LEO MESSI'S NUMBERS WITH BARCELONA

One of the most impactful points of the interview was 'La Pulga's' confession about his desire to return to the 'culé' team. After his departure in 2021 (a supremely unworthy farewell for a club legend like him), he ended up joining Paris Saint-Germain. However, the '10' of the 'Albiceleste' acknowledged that he never lost sight of the option of wearing the 'azulgrana' jersey again in the future and was ready to do so in 2023. "After the World Cup, I couldn't see myself on any other European team than Barça. My goal was to return. To return to my home, where it all began. But unfortunately, it wasn't possible."

It is important to remember that Leo Messi could have arrived at Barça as a free agent, after having finished his contract with Paris Saint-Germain on June 30, 2023. However, at that time, the club's economic situation was much more precarious, so they opted to strengthen the squad with other players at no cost, investing just €3.4 million.

"After the World Cup, I couldn't see myself on any other European team than Barça. My goal was to return. To return to my home, where it all began. But unfortunately, it wasn't possible."

Messi's leap from Europe to the MLS

With the door of the Catalan team closed, Lionel opted to leave Europe and begin a new stage in American football. In July 2023, he signed with Inter Miami, a move that not only responded to his sporting needs but also to his family's well-being: "The decision to come here was purely a family decision. We came to the United States, to Miami, to live this new experience," 'La Pulga' assured.

This change of continent turned out to be very beneficial for the Rosario native. Currently, he is a historical figure of Inter Miami, being the top scorer (42) and assister of the club (21), in addition to playing a key role in the conquest of titles such as the Supporters' Shield and the Leagues Cup (2023).

'La Pulga' recalled his first steps at Barcelona

In the interview, Leo Messi did not fail to remember his first steps at Barça, a dressing room in which he coincided with great legends such as Ronaldinho, Deco, Xavi, Iniesta, and Puyol. "I always say that the first dressing room I entered was exceptional. I am very grateful for the welcome I received from everyone: Ronaldinho, Deco, Sylvinho, in addition to Xavi and Iniesta, who were there, and Puyol... There were big names and the team was incredible. We won the Champions League for the first time after a long absence in Barcelona. And the fact that Rijkaard trusted me and made me part of that team was great for me and I enjoyed it very much," he commented nostalgically.

The Rosario native and the sad loss of Tito Vilanova

Likewise, the Argentine commented on one of the most difficult moments of his career as a player of FC Barcelona, an event that deeply affected both him and his teammates: the illness of Tito Vilanova, which unfortunately led him to lose his life at the young age of 45. "What happened to Tito affected us a lot. He wasn't always with us, but we felt everything that was happening, we knew he was going through difficult times, that he was suffering and no one knew how it would end. Of course, this affected the team. It was a tough season in every sense of the word because of everything that happened," he emphasized.

"What happened to Tito affected us a lot. He wasn't always with us, but we felt everything that was happening, we knew he was going through difficult times."

The '10' praised Pep Guardiola: a coach who changed football

Messi also took the opportunity to praise Pep Guardiola, his coach during the most successful years of Barça. "Pep Guardiola is from another world. He is different, he sees things that no one else sees. He changed football. Everyone wanted to copy us. In fact, in a way, he harmed football, because people were trying to play like our Barcelona. But we were a special team... that midfield, Xavi, Busi, Iniesta, everything was perfect between the players and the coach," he pointed out.

📊Messi's statistics under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola:

• Matches: 219
• Goals: 211
• Assists: 94

Leo crowns Lamine Yamal: the Jewel of the future of the Barcelona club

In one of the most anticipated interventions, the Argentine star spoke about the young talent of FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, to whom he predicted a bright future. "Impressive what Lamine Yamal is showing, what he is doing and what he has already done. He has already been a champion of the European Championship with Spain. He is only 17 years old, he is in the process of growth and will continue to grow as a player and contributing things to his game, as I did. He has incredible qualities and is already one of the best players in the world," he added.

"He is only 17 years old, he is in the process of growth and will continue to grow as a player and contributing things to his game, as I did."

Leo and the 2026 World Cup: Next Goal?

The topic of retirement also came up in the conversation. 'La Pulga' made it clear that he is not yet thinking about leaving professional football, especially with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner. "I have no doubt that I will continue competing. This nature will never abandon me, because it is part of me. That's how I was raised. I love to win and compete. This year will be important for my decision regarding the World Cup. I would be lying if I said I'm not thinking about it," he concluded. Will the 'azulgrana' legend play one more World Cup with Argentina? Only time will tell.

HERE IS THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW OF LEO MESSI IN SIMPLEMENTE FÚTBOL: