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For the first time since coming to the United States, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi spoke to the media on Thursday night and disclosed tons of revealing information.
Among his many comments, Messi said that he never wanted to play for Paris Saint-Germain and wished to stay with Barcelona.
“Me going to PSG was neither planned, nor desired. I did not want to leave Barcelona,” Messi said.
The legendary 36-year-old Argentine was forced out of Barcelona, the club he spent his entire career with, prior to the 2021 season due to the club’s financial struggles.
In addition to his comments about PSG, Messi also revealed why he’s been doing Marvel-themed celebrations. Earlier this summer, we speculated it could be to promote adidas’ new Marvel-branded ball, but according to Messi, it’s just something he does to bond with his kids.
“My three kids are still on vacation and haven’t started school yet, so every night we watch superhero movies. They came up with the idea and told me that whenever I have a game and score a goal, I do a superhero celebration,” Messi said.
“But I only do them for home games, when the kids are here, near me, so we can share those moments,” he explained.
The seven-time — and potentially soon-to-be eight-time — Ballon d’Or winner also used his presser to dispel the rumor that he refuses to play on artificial turf, pointing to the fact that it’s what he played on during his youth career at Barca.
“On the topic of artificial turf, the truth is my youth was spent on artificial turf, my whole life was on that pitch. It’s been a while since I’ve played on artificial turf but I have no problem adapting myself again,” the footballing icon reasoned.
Messi’s biggest game in an Inter Miami shirt will come on Saturday, August 19 when his Inter Miami side takes on Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final.
If all goes according to plan, he’ll then make his debut in an official MLS match on Saturday, August 26 against the New York Red Bulls.