Lionel Messi Reflects on His Transition to Miami

Lionel Messi has left Paris Saint-Germain after just two seasons, choosing not to exercise his contract option for a third year. While many speculated that he struggled to adapt to life in Paris after spending 20 years at Barcelona, Messi insists this was not the case, attributing his decision solely to football-related reasons. He notes that life in Miami resembles what his family enjoyed in Castelldefels, the town located 12 miles outside of Barcelona that he once called home.

“It might seem like Paris was a nightmare, but that isn’t accurate. When I mention not having a good time, it reflects my dissatisfaction with football—the daily routine, training, and matches—because I just wasn’t feeling right,” he explained in an interview with SPORT. “However, we had a truly wonderful experience as a family. The city was spectacular, and it was our first time leaving Barcelona, which presented its own challenges. It wasn’t due to an injury; it simply unfolded that way. The reality is, I wasn’t happy with my daily passion—football.

“Now, in Miami, we are thriving and enjoying our life here. As I mentioned, our lifestyle is quite similar to what we had in Castelldefels. The club is nearby, the kids’ school is conveniently close, and everything is easily accessible. We live away from the city, which is beautiful, although the traffic can be quite challenging.”

The intensity and scrutiny Messi faces now differ significantly from the harsh European spotlight he experienced.

“Each day is enjoyable, albeit in a different manner. Life is more relaxed here without the overwhelming pressure to win and meet every goal—though I still aspire to do so. The pressure is more manageable, allowing us to enjoy our family life and spend quality time together. I can attend training and games without the constant burden of football weighing on my mind. This shift in focus has positively changed our lives. Previously, I sometimes returned home feeling down due to the results and daily grind, but now we are genuinely happy here.”

Messi is not alone in expressing concerns about the immense pressure of European football. Many coaches have echoed similar sentiments; for instance, Xavi described his role as Barcelona’s manager in 2024 as a “cruel, unpleasant job,” while Pep Guardiola took a year off after leaving Camp Nou in the summer of 2012. Jurgen Klopp stepped away from Liverpool in 2024 and has yet to return to club management.

As Miami seeks its first MLS Cup title since joining the league in 2020, hopes are pinned on Messi to lead them there. The club secured the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 for winning the regular season but exited the playoffs earlier than anticipated.

Despite dropping to third place in the Eastern Conference in 2025, Miami has already improved from last year by reaching the Conference semi-finals, where they will face FC Cincinnati on November 23. A successful outcome could lead them to a match against either New York City FC or Philadelphia Union later that month, with the MLS Cup set for December 6. The longer Miami remains in contention, the longer it extends the illustrious careers of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both of whom will retire at the season’s end.