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Back in 2011, Lionel Messi opened up about finishing his career at Barcelona, openly snubbing a reported bid from Real Madrid. The legendary playmaker has an impressive record against Los Blancos, scoring 26 goals and creating 14 assists against them in 47 appearances.
Therefore, it comes as little surprise that Madrid were reportedly interested in his services when the Argentine magician was still starring for Barca. They made a move for him in 2011, after Barcelona won the Champions League, with Lionel Messi scoring twice against Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
However, Messi had no intentions of leaving the club where he had become one of the best players in the world. According to Sky Sport Italia, he made it clear that his intent was to stay at Camp Nou (via Bleacher Report):
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"I will never go [to Real Madrid] or to any other teams... I always want to stay here, finish my career with Barcelona and then maybe play in Argentina. I would like my European career to be around here."
Los Blancos still looked to sign the Argentina captain in 2013 and 2015. However, each time, they were rebuffed, with Messi opting to stay with the Catalan giants.
The legendary playmaker's plans may have been to complete his time in Europe with the Blaugrana. He was unable to do this, though, as he ended up leaving in 2021. The Catalan club had suffered financially and were unable to extend his contract, which saw him leave for Paris Saint-Germain.
In 2023, Messi moved to Inter Miami in the USA, having successfully ignored all advances from Real Madrid during his time in Europe.
Lionel Messi hopes to retire at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi has revealed his intent to end his career with Inter Miami. After two decades of ruling the scene in Europe, alongside Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo, the playmaker called time on the continent, opting for Major League Soccer (MLS).
In an interview with ESPN in June this year, he revealed that retirement was still some way off, but admitted it would be in the MLS. He said (via Forbes):
"Inter Miami will be my last club. I love playing football. I enjoy everything much more because I am aware that there is less [left to play]... I'm still having fun, At the club [Inter Miami] I am lucky to have teammates and friends by my side. Also in the national team.
"I enjoy the little details knowing that, when I don't play anymore, I'm going to miss it... But I'm not ready to retire."
Lionel Messi has since led Inter Miami to become one of the best clubs across the pond. In his first season, he led them to win their first ever trophy - the Leagues Cup in 2023. This season, he led them to win the Supporters' Shield, but they missed out on the MLS Cup.
