Inter Miami star Lionel Messi makes 'unenjoyable' admission over PSG stint

Messi spent two seaons in the French capital after signing on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 following his Barcelona exit.

The Argentine scored 32 goals and provided 35 assists in 75 competitive appearances for PSG, winning two Ligue 1 titles and the 2022 French Super Cup.

However, Messi experienced back-to-back last-16 exits in the Champions League during his time at the Parc des Princes despite operating in a star-studded forward line with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

The 2022 World Cup winner departed the club when his contract expired in the summer of 2023, paving the way for him to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal with MLS franchise Inter Miami.

Messi opens up on 'unenjoyable' PSG stint

Speaking in an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, Messi has admitted that he "didn't enjoy" his two-season stay with the French giants.

Messi said: "Coming to play for Inter Miami was an opportunity and the way things developed during my last years in Paris, although it was a decision that I had to make on the go, because I had to leave from Barcelona, I went through two years which I didn't enjoy.

"I wasn't happy on a daily basis, with the training, the matches. I had a hard time adapting to all that. I felt called to come to Inter [Miami] because it's a club that's growing, very new, with few years as a club."

Messi has made a significant impression since joining Inter Miami, having registered 36 goals and provided 20 assists in 42 competitive appearances.

The 37-year-old helped the club win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield last season, while he was also named the MLS MVP for his performances in 2024.

Messi excited for Club World Cup

Messi is also excited by the prospect of representing Inter Miami in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in the USA this summer.

"I think this is very important for the club, especially, to participate for the first time in a World Cup that will take place in the country and for the MLS to have two teams is a wonderful thing," Messi said.

"Everything that's happening creates an opportunity for the MLS to keep growing in football, as a league. And for other players to have the opportunity to come and keep growing."

Javier Mascherano's side will compete in a group with Brazilian side Palmeiras, Portuguese giants Porto and Egyptian club Al Ahly.

In the meantime, Messi will be focused on Inter Miami's second MLS match of the season, with the Herons set to take on Houston Dynamo in Sunday's away clash.

Written by

Ben Sully