For the first time, Leo Messi makes chilling revelations about his "forced" Barça exit

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·11 novembre 2025

For the first time, Leo Messi makes chilling revelations about his "forced" Barça exit

Exclusive Interview

Leo Messi breaks the silence on his Barça departure!

Vidéos OneFootball

For the first time, Leo Messi makes chilling revelations about his "forced" Barça exit

In an exclusive interview with Diario Sport, Lionel Messi spoke candidly about several pivotal chapters of his career: his exit from FC Barcelona, his stint at Paris Saint-Germain, and his outlook for the 2026 World Cup. At 38, the Argentine captain of Inter Miami displays a disarming clarity and a newfound serenity, now far removed from the European frenzy.

Paris, a tough chapter but not a nightmare

"People act as if Paris was hell, but that wasn't the case," he said.

"When I say I didn't feel good, it's because I wasn't happy doing what I love—playing football. Beyond that, though, we had a wonderful family experience. The city is spectacular."

This clarification is important for someone who left Barcelona reluctantly, experiencing life outside Catalonia for the first time. Now settled in Miami, Messi admits he has found a balance he hadn't felt since his golden years in Castelldefels.

Painful goodbyes to Barça

Looking back on his departure from FC Barcelona in 2021, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner didn't hide his emotion:

"I didn't leave the way I had imagined. After spending my whole life here, I thought I would finish my career at Barça." He especially regrets saying goodbye without fans, a farewell marked by the pandemic: "It felt strange, everything was odd. But the affection from the supporters is eternal."

This unbreakable bond with the Catalan club continues to fuel fans' dreams of a symbolic return, even though Messi now seems focused on a new chapter in his life.

A transitional World Cup

Asked about the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine showed deep respect for the competition:

"It's an honor to take part, especially after having won it. But I don't want to be a burden on the team."

Fully aware of the years passing by, Messi emphasizes his physical condition:

"I want to be at 100%, able to help my teammates. Otherwise, I'll step aside."

He concludes wisely: "It's a special World Cup, the most prestigious, but I'm taking it step by step."

As humble as ever despite his legendary status, Lionel Messi proves once again that his greatest talent might be his ability to remain human—even at the very top.