Messi says he won’t be a burden to Argentina and still dreams of a Barcelona return

Barça Longing and the MLS Chapter

Argentine star Lionel Messi has acknowledged that his departure from Barcelona did not unfold as he expected, and he still feels a strong pull toward the Catalan city. He suggests that he plans to return with his family after his current stint in Major League Soccer comes to a close.

In a rare exclusive interview with the Spanish daily Sport, Messi said he misses Barcelona deeply and that his wife and children often talk about living there again. The idea of settling back in the city remains alive in his thoughts as he pursues the next chapter with his MLS club.

Around two weeks ago, Messi welcomed the journalist entourage in Miami for the interview, and last week he staged a surprising detour to Barcelona. He secretly entered Camp Nou for photos that sent fans worldwide into a frenzy and reinforced the enduring bond between the player and the club.

He also stressed that the affection from fans never fades and that the connection with Barcelona remains a powerful emotional force in his life.

Messi, who is set to receive Sport’s award as the most beloved Barça player of all time next week, described how precious those moments were and how he can now revisit them with a calmer mindset, almost as if the memories have aged like fine wine.

He spoke candidly about a difficult farewell, explaining that leaving Europe did not feel as he had imagined and that he spent his last years there largely without fans due to the pandemic. Yet he emphasizes that the love from supporters continues to live on inside him.

"I spent 16 years with the first team, and about 20 or 21 years since arriving in Barcelona at the age of 12. That’s a long time, a complete life there, so the emotions stay with me always," he said. He added that the club’s impact goes beyond trophies and that Barca has become a part of his life and his family’s identity.

Life, Love for Barça, and a City That Stays With You

Messi also reflected on his ongoing relationship with Barcelona’s fans and the club’s ecosystem. He explained that even as new generations emerge and new heroes rise, the history of Barça remains indelible and that his own legacy is intertwined with the club’s evolution.

Regarding his time away from the city, he recalled memorable moments with gratitude, noting how challenging the farewell was and how the memories now feel more meaningful with the passage of time. He highlighted how those moments are difficult to compare, as each chapter carried its own unique magic, from the sextet under Guardiola to the Champions League triumph under Luis Enrique.

He spoke about Barcelona not just as a club but as a whole city that shaped him and his family. His children were born in the city, and his memories are deeply linked to habitual places and daily life there. He also mentioned that even now, he and fellow former Barça players keep up with the team’s results and discuss games with regularity.

Messi offered a thoughtful look at his Paris Saint-Germain spell, saying that some expected him to suffer, but the experience was not exactly hell. He noted that while the daily mood could be difficult, life in Paris and the time with his family were still meaningful and valuable experiences, and that the city is stunning.

Now in Miami, he finds a different rhythm: the club is close to home, the city offers a vibrant environment, and life is balanced with fewer daily pressures. He says this balance has allowed him to enjoy football and family time more fully, even as the competitive drive remains intact.

When asked about longevity, Messi framed it as a core part of his life. He said he has always played to win and that helping Barca stay competitive has been a central mission. As long as he feels healthy and motivated, he plans to keep playing; retirement would come only when the joy truly fades.

On the World Cup, he affirmed its status as a dream tournament but stressed that he does not want to become a burden for the national team. With a different pace in the United States, he noted that his condition and motivation will guide any decision as major events approach, while the spark and ambition remain very much alive.

And for the fans wondering about the next move, Messi’s message is clear: the door to Barcelona remains open in his heart, even if the path might wind through Miami for now. The legend continues to chase greatness, on and off the field.

Punchline time: If football is a pizza, Barça is the crust—the part that holds all the toppings together, and I’ll never let toppings upstage the crust. Punchline two: When Messi retires, he’ll still be asking the sofa for a long-press pass—because even statues need a little break from the spotlight!