Lionel Messi admits he 'wasn't prepared' to leave Barcelona

Lionel Messi has admitted he was «not prepared» to leave Barcelona when he was forced out of the club in 2021, despite agreeing a new contract to stay.

The Argentine forward spent over 20 years on the books at Barca, coming through the youth system and going on to become the greatest footballer in their history. In 778 appearances in all competitions, Messi bagged a club record 672 goals, winning 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions Leagues and lifted six of his Ballon d'Or gongs thanks to his remarkable performances.

The footballing world was left in shock when Barcelona confirmed that, due to their financial situation, they were unable to register Messi's contract for the 2021/22 season, leading to the forward joining Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent shortly afterwards.

Speaking with, Messi looked back and admitted it was a «difficult» situation.

“The change was difficult when I went to PSG, because I was doing very well in Barcelona and I planned to stay there," the Inter Miami star explained.

«I was not prepared to leave, everything happened very quickly, I had to rebuild my life from one day to the next. I got to know another league, another club, a new dressing room. It was a change that we were not looking for and that is why it was difficult at first.»

Following his two-year spell at PSG, Messi wanted to re-join Barcelona during the 2023 summer transfer window, insisting he «tried but it was not possible». The legendary forward, however, instead opted to join MLS outfit Inter Miami due to the need for other La Blaugrana players to lower their wages at the club in order to facilitate his return to Catalunya.

«I heard it was said La Liga had accepted that everything was fine for me to return, there were still many