Lionel Messi, one of soccer’s most storied magicians, once again found himself at the center of the sport’s most compelling “what if.” In a recent candid interview, the Inter Miami forward opened up about what was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming to Barcelona after the 2022 World Cup—a move that ultimately never materialized, for reasons stranger than most fans could have expected.
As always with Messi, the spotlight eventually falls on more than just his on-pitch brilliance. This time, the story ripples through administrative deadlock, a reluctant decision made for family peace, and—most intriguingly—the unexpected rise of a young prodigy who might never have emerged as quickly had Messi returned. Let’s go back to the moment where the dream began to unravel.
After a dramatic summer in 2020, Messi stayed put at Barcelona for one final season—an emotional goodbye followed in 2021, when the club, tangled in financial turmoil, couldn’t afford to renew his contract. Tears flowed, Paris Saint-Germain stepped in, and the Argentine moved to France, still unsure if his heart had left Catalonia.
The PSG chapter had a rocky beginning, but it culminated in Messi reclaiming his magic, especially during Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup campaign. When that triumph ended, Messi was once again out of contract, and the soccer world waited breathlessly. Would he return to Camp Nou? Would the king go home? He certainly wanted to.
Lionel Messi World Cup
“After the World Cup, I couldn’t see myself playing for any other European team other than Barca,” Messi told Simplemente Futbol. “My goal was to return. To return to my home, where it all began. But unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.”
Bizarre twist: Why Messi didn’t return at Camp Nou
The answer wasn’t simple—and it wasn’t just about money. Even though Messi was willing to drastically reduce his salary, La Liga’s financial rules stood in the way. Under the watchful eye of league president Javier Tebas, Barcelona was required to operate under strict salary regulations. Unlike previous eras, no exemptions would be made—not even for Leo Messi.
“I heard that they had to sell players or reduce players’ salaries,” he explained. “And the truth is that I didn’t want to go through that or take responsibility for something related to all of that.”
Though Messi and Barcelona president Joan Laporta were in constant contact—trying to bridge past differences and work something out—the league’s 40% rule, a constraint on teams not within the 1:1 salary structure, proved insurmountable. Tebas remained firm. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Leo Messi or Kylian Mbappe. Economic control must be complied with. There will be no special concessions.”
Ultimately, the superstar made a personal choice—not a financial one. “The decision to come here [to Miami] was purely a family decision,” he said. “We came to the United States, to live this new experience.”
Lamine Yamal: Silver lining no one saw coming
While Barcelona mourned what felt like a missed fairytale ending, the club found a surprising gift in the ashes: Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old winger, dazzling with his fearless creativity and sublime technical touch, has quickly become one of the most explosive talents in Europe. In just 45 appearances this season, he has been directly involved in 35 goals, earning comparisons with a young Messi.
And perhaps most significantly, his rapid rise might never have happened had Messi returned. The Argentine legend himself seems to think so. “It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal shows… he’s already been a Euro champion with Spain,” Messi added. “He’s still only 17, he’s in a growth process, and he’ll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did. He has incredible qualities and he’s already one of the best players in the world.”
Had Messi returned, Yamal’s development may have been delayed—his chances limited under the shadow of a returning king. Instead, the stage was clear. The crown wasn’t handed over—it was earned, and earned quickly.
