At the recent US Business Forum, Lionel Messi had a special conversation when he received the key to the city of Miami - where he is playing for Inter Miami.
The Argentine star shared about his journey from Barcelona to PSG, the difficulties he experienced in France as well as his feelings when he won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
Messi said that the moment of raising the world gold cup was something that could not be described in words. He considers this the pinnacle of his career and the greatest pride for himself, his family and his hometown fans.
The 38-year-old player admitted that he has not decided to participate in the 2026 World Cup, but expressed his excitement for the tournament held in the US, Canada and Mexico. He commented: "I think this is an important moment for American football. The 2026 World Cup will be a great opportunity for this sport to develop more strongly".
Messi also spent a lot of time talking about his time at PSG, where he admitted that he had lost his joy in football.
"At first, it was not easy at all in Paris. My family and I have lived in Barcelona for too long and everything is familiar. When moving to France, of course everything was new. There were times when I no longer felt the joy of football as well as in daily life," he revealed.
It was this feeling that urged Messi to choose the US as his next stop. Here, he and his family can start a new chapter.
"It was a family decision. And it's great to be able to choose where I want to live," the Argentine added.
Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi contributed to helping the home team win the Leagues Cup - the first title in the club's history.
A year later, he continued to win the Supporters' Shield 2024 with his teammates and was voted "Best Player of MLS". At the end of the 2025 season, Messi scored 29 goals, had 19 assists and won the "MLS Golden Boot" title.
When asked about his future and retirement, Messi replied briefly: "To be honest, I haven't thought about it. I'm looking forward to every moment and getting on with the ball."
The striker born in 1987 also confirmed that he has extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028 when he will turn 41.
