Barca aim dig at Messi's decision to join Inter Miami - ESPN

Barcelona have said Lionel Messi turned down their proposal because he wants to «compete in a league with fewer demands» after the forward confirmed he will join MLS side Inter Miami.

Messi, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30, revealed on Wednesday he would not return to Barca because he could not wait any longer to see if they would be able to register his contract with LaLiga.

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In a statement which drew criticism on social media, Barca responded by saying they «understood» Messi's decision to take himself out of the spotlight.

«On Monday, Jorge Messi, the player's father and representative, informed club president Joan Laporta of the player's decision to join Inter Miami,» Barca said.

«This despite having been presented with a proposal from Barca, in consideration of the desire of both Barcelona and Messi for him to once again wear the club's colours.

»President Laporta understood and respected Messi's decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years."

Barca are in excess of their LaLiga-imposed spending limit and can only invest 40% of any money they save or generate.

Even if Messi was willing to play for free, league sources said he would have accounted for €25 million within Barca's cap, based on previous earnings. Therefore, registering him is impossible. The scenario is remarkably similar to when Messi left the club in August 2021.

After revealing his intention to sign for Miami, Messi said he did not want to put himself in that situation again and wanted to keep his future «in my own hands.»

Barca coach Xavi Hernandez, who led the charm