Barcelona insist an offer was sent to Lionel Messi for him to return to Camp Nou – despite the Argentine claiming that the club could not confirm their proposal.
Messi was out of contract this summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired and has been in talks over a return to Barcelona.
However, despite La Liga approving Barcelona’s financial plan to fund a move for their former talisman, Messi opted to make the move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, effectively calling time on his playing career in Europe.
, Messi claimed that he wanted to make an early decision over his next move and said he was uncomfortable with the idea of Barcelona needing to sell players in order to fund his return.
Messi also indicated that Barcelona’s offer was not concrete.
‘Many things were missing,’ he said.
‘The club, today, was not in a position to confirm 100 per cent that I could return. And it is understandable, due to the situation that the club is going through, and that is how I saw it.’
However, Barcelona dispute Messi’s claims and insist a ‘proposal’ was presented to the World Cup winner.
A statement from Barcelona read: ‘On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barca, in consideration of the desire of both and for him to once again wear blaugrana.
‘President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.
‘Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.’
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