Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi regains his excitement on the field following his unwanted departure from Barcelona and subsequent move to PSG.

Aug. 18 (UPI) — Lionel Messi, the renowned soccer player who never had the desire to leave Barcelona for PSG in 2021, shared his experiences of transitioning from Paris to Inter Miami in the United States. Messi described the move as “totally different” and expressed his joy in playing the sport again during his first news conference with the MLS franchise in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. As a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami was announced in June, despite not speaking English.

“When I went to Paris, it wasn’t something I wanted,” explained Messi. “I didn’t want to leave Barcelona. The transition was sudden, and I had to adapt to a completely different environment from where I had lived my entire life. However, my experience here is completely different.”

Messi mentioned that he made the decision to join Inter Miami with his wife, Antonella, and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Throughout his professional soccer career, Messi had always been based in Europe, starting with Barcelona in 2004. After over two decades, including his youth tenure, he left the Spanish La Liga powerhouse to join Paris Saint-Germain in France.

Messi turned down offers from other prestigious clubs worldwide, ultimately choosing MLS. This decision required careful consideration and time. Currently, his family is in the process of settling into their new surroundings and searching for a new home. Additionally, Messi’s children will be starting school in the South Florida area.

“I chose to come here, and it was a decision that we made with careful consideration over time. It wasn’t something we decided on overnight. We are where we want to be,” stated Messi. “This decision brings simplicity and ease to everything.”

Messi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he has received both at home and away games, describing it as “spectacular.” He stated that he is at peace and happy. This tranquility is evident in his dominance in MLS matches since joining Inter Miami.

Despite being in last place, Inter Miami has achieved a 6-0 record in the Leagues Cup following Messi’s arrival. He has scored nine goals in the competition, leading the team to the tournament finale.

“We understood that coming here was an opportunity to bring about change,” reflected Messi on Inter Miami’s previous struggles in MLS. “It was a chance to start transforming the situation.”

Messi admitted that his move to PSG in 2021 was neither planned nor desired, emphasizing his lifelong desire to play in the United States. He clarified that his decision to move stateside was primarily driven by his desire to continue enjoying soccer rather than making a significant impact on MLS.

“To be honest, I don’t think about all of that,” responded Messi when asked about his impact on MLS. “I came here to play and to continue enjoying football, which has always been my passion. I chose this place primarily for that reason. Today, I can confidently say that I am very happy with the decision we made, not just from a sports perspective but also for my family and our daily lives.”

On Thursday, Messi was named a finalist for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, an annual award recognizing Europe’s most outstanding soccer player. With his World Cup victory in December, Messi is expected to win the award for the eighth time. The winner will be announced in Monaco on August 31.

In the Leagues Cup final, Inter Miami will face Nashville SC on Saturday at 9 p.m. EDT in Nashville.

“I am extremely grateful and happy for the current moment I am experiencing, especially as I continue to enjoy what I have loved throughout my life: playing football with joy,” Messi concluded.