“It’s a shame he didn’t come” – Barcelona superstar makes honest admission about missing out on Lionel Messi
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has expressed his disappointment that Lionel Messi won't return to the Camp Nou this summer.
The Blaugrana were eager to seal Messi's return and were in the race with MLS side Inter Miami and Saudi giants Al Hilal to sign the Argentine icon. However, the 35-year-old opted to join Miami, rejecting a reunion with the Blaugrana due to doubts over their financial situation.
De Jong has commented on Barcelona's failure to re-sign Messi, telling Dutch outlet Telegraaf:
“I think every team would like to have Lionel there, because he makes a difference anytime, anywhere. It’s a shame he didn’t come to Barcelona. I would have liked him there, would have found his return top-notch. We’ll now see who joins and who leaves.”
Lionel Messi became a Barca legend during his 17 seasons at the Camp Nou. He scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 games across competitions. The legendary forward won four Champions League, ten La Liga and seven Copa del Rey titles.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner's last trophy (Copa del Rey) with the Blaugrana came in 2021, playing alongside De Jong. He was forced to leave the Camp Nou, as the Blaugrana couldn't afford a new contract for the Argentine.
Messi headed to PSG in 2021 on a free transfer and spent two seasons at the Parc des Princes. He now leaves them as a two-time Ligue 1 champion following the expiration of his contract this month.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will head into the summer transfer market with other targets in mind. Barca boss Xavi was interested in Messi's return and said that he had a place for the Argentine in his team:
“He knows we're ready to welcome him. Nothing has changed. We have chances. We want Leo here. Let him decide. I'm ready to include him in our system.”
Instead, Messi will be joining Inter Miami who languish at rock-bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference League. The Herons are expected to make more blockbuster signings following the Argentine's arrival.
Xavi explains Lionel Messi's failed return to Barcelona
Barcelona boss Xavi has said that Lionel Messi is headed to the MLS to enjoy a quieter life.
The iconic attacker is constantly under the microscope due to his prominence in world football. He has always experienced that, as was the case at PSG, where he was subjected to criticism from the French media.
Commented on Barca's failure to reunite with Messi, Xavi said that people need to try putting themselves in the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's shoes: (via 90min):
"We often don't put ourselves in the other's shoes. We lack empathy. Being Leo Messi is not easy. He never has peace of mind and has to be a 'ten' in everything. He doesn't want that kind of pressure anymore. It's normal."
Messi follows the likes of Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham who played in the MLS. Beckham is now the owner of Inter Miami and played a key role in signing the Argentine.