In 2021, Lionel Messi was contemplating a transfer to Manchester City, contingent on the retention of his compatriot Sergio Aguero.
However, despite Messi’s hopes and his deteriorating ties with FC Barcelona, Pep Guardiola could not ensure Aguero’s stay, leading to Aguero’s departure to Barcelona and City’s acquisition of Erling Haaland.
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At 36, Messi is now showcasing his skills at Inter Miami, having concluded a storied 21-year tenure at Barcelona with an impressive haul of 24 major trophies, including four Champions League titles and three Club World Cups.
His Barcelona career saw him net 672 goals in 778 games, earning numerous individual honors and thriving under Guardiola’s tutelage, with whom he secured two Champions League and three La Liga victories.
Post-Barcelona, Messi joined PSG, reuniting with Neymar, following Aguero’s exit and Haaland’s arrival at City for £51.2 million.
Despite a challenging start at PSG, Messi’s performance enhanced over time, and he left after two Ligue 1 triumphs.
Currently, Messi’s impact at Inter Miami is undeniable, with 11 goals in 14 matches during the 2023 season, leading to a Leagues Cup victory. However, a recent hamstring injury has sidelined him for the past few weeks..
Explaining why Messi chose Miami, co-owner Jorge Mas told The Times: “It was very difficult to compete solely on an economic basis but we had our city, what it represents, but also a place where his family could enjoy themselves. Miami is the unofficial capital of the Americas, a bilingual city.
“The majority of the population is Hispanic from south and central America and I think that was an extremely attractive thing for Lionel.”
