The Former Paris Saint-Germain player was heavily linked with a move back to his former club Barcelona and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Many expected him to join his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. However, Messi decided to join Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami and was unveiled yesterday.

In explaining his decision, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner stated that it was time to live football in a different way.

“After winning the world Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United states to live Football in another way,” he said.

READ ALSO: Details on Messi’s deal with Inter Miami

Despite Barcelona desperately wanting his services again, Messi said that he didn’t want to move to affect other players.

“I head that they could have to sell players or lower players salaries….. And the truth is, I didn’t want to go through that,” Messi said.

Messi wants to be out of the spotlight

He added that he wanted to be out of the spotlight and spend more time with his family.

“If Barcelona didn’t work out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight, and think more about my family.” And I didn’t want to leave my future in the hands of others. I was looking forward to coming back, but in the end,d it didn’t happen,” he explained.

Messi scored 704 goals in his European club career in 853 with 303 assists. He won also 34 trophies with Barcelona and PSG.

His trophies include 10 La Liga titles and two Ligue 1 championships. Seven Copa del Reys, and three club World Cups plus.

He is expected to make his debut at Inter Miami in July.