This Monday, Lionel Messi was crowned Ballon d’Or 2023 for the 8th time in his career. An absolute record. During the traditional interview for France Football to discuss the Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi spoke about his future and a possible return to Europe.
It’s a rumor that has been coming back insistently in recent weeks. Not qualified for the play-offs, Inter Miami therefore ended its season prematurely. An end to the season which could suggest that the Argentinian would want to join Europe as part of a loan and in particular to FC Barcelona.
During the interview for France FootballLeo Messi has denied these reports and seems to have turned the page with European football. “I think that there, yes, I have definitively turned the page on European football. Of course I will miss playing in the Champions League or playing in La Liga for the rest of my life, matches with a special flavor. But I made the most of it as much as I could, so I have no frustration,” he admitted. A return to FC Barcelona should therefore be ruled out.
🚨 OFFICIAL! 🔟 ‘ ! 🌕
Lionel Messi 🇦🇷 is crowned with 105 points ahead of Erling Haaland 🇳🇴. 🔝
Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷 is 87 points behind the Norwegian.
African players on… pic.twitter.com/5mqFUqaxYC
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) November 4, 2023
A final challenge with the Albiceleste at the Copa America?
What will Lionel Messi do? Will he continue for a few more years with Argentina or stop after the 2024 Copa America? Its future is still unclear. But the American tournament could well be his last big challenge with the selection.
In 2026, the 2023 Ballon d’Or will be 39 years old when it enters the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. A more advanced age for the Argentinian who could encounter physical problems by then. What is certain is that in the event of participation, the pressure will be less. The former Parisian already made his dream come true last winter in Qatar.
