The Lionel Messi drama brings a severe blow to Barcelona, as it seems to be nearing a close as the Argentine is likely to finalize a move to Inter Miami. The 35-year-old has been the subject of intense interest from the Blaugrana for the last half a year, but the Catalan giants have been unable to present a formal bid.
The World Cup winner has been courted by both Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, and he had to make a choice shortly. Thus, as reported by various reports in Spain and France, the superstar’s entourage notified the club that the veteran will not be returning.
La Liga’s champions are certainly devastated by this news since they had hoped to re-sign their former skipper for one more hurrah. In its place, Inter Miami will be fielding the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who will be compensated handsomely thanks to a share of revenue generated by MLS’ commercial partnerships with companies like Adidas and Apple.
“Not a Barca legend anymore”: What Barcelona fans think of Lionel Messi’s failed return
Barca gave him 2 offers but they cannot sign him until they sell players
— Jonni Martinez (@iJonniM) June 7, 2023
They asked him to wait but he doesn’t want to wait 🤷♂️
36 year old man can’t stand up to his father. Truly embarrassing. He’s without a doubt the greatest of all time, but his mentality is one of the weakest I have ever seen
— LEDCODM (@Ledcodm_22) June 7, 2023
Not a barca legend anymore
— 🇪🇸 (@AbdeGOAT) June 7, 2023
Did Messi not see Barcelona fans chanting “Messi, Messi” in the 10th minute in every match? pic.twitter.com/pMs832Gd7s
— Berneese (@the_berneese_) June 7, 2023
Messi to Barcelona was the real
— Edmund 💉 (@EdmundOris) June 7, 2023
99% faith
1% chance.
Those of us that wanted him back knew it was a long shot. It was nice to dream again 😂😂
Time to face reality.
Leo Messi officially retires from football. He will play Soccer from now.
— Ｍａｄｒｉｄｉｓｔａ 🇵🇰 (@MadridIsLove0) June 7, 2023
Their version: "sorry bro we're broke"
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) June 7, 2023
This is so sad man, going from a World Cup & Ballon d'Or winning season to joining the MLS in your following season, it doesn't make any sense. But it doesn't matter, I will support Messi at any club.
— Streplic (@Streplic) June 7, 2023
Apple TV+ subscriptions about to take off 📈
— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) June 7, 2023
Pele ended in NY Cosmos and now Messi wants to end up in the US too, goat things.
— Daily Trends (@reztrend) June 7, 2023
Joined a Qatari owned club , won the WC organized by Qatar, heading to the US and they’ll be hosting the next World Cup .
The end 💔 pic.twitter.com/b5QjhAeOlQ
— Sankalp Ayan™ (@iBeingSankalp) June 7, 2023
Only 6 months after winning the World Cup as the best player messi decides go to a league that is irrelevant. No big stars in that league. Club is in 15th position. Perhaps this is the only time Messi has disappointed me in his 20 year career. Disappointed. Disgusted. Disgrace👍 pic.twitter.com/pxGnDGCNae
— KB9theGOAT (@karim9Goatzema) June 7, 2023
This shit right here completely derailed my day.
— Giancarlo EsBROsito (@TuffSamurai) June 7, 2023
Messi is coming to the worst team in a very mediocre league.
He’s easily still one of the best players in the world and could still play at the highest possible level for at least 3 more years.
I’m disappointed. https://t.co/tVxiPth4hY
Disappointed and Heartbroken..Cricket is a better sport
— ganesh🇦🇷 (@breathMessi21) June 6, 2023
