Lionel Messi found it “difficult to enjoy” the last few seasons before his move to MLS team Inter Miami

There is a smile on Lionel Messi’s face once again. After several months with Paris Saint-Germain that are best forgotten about, the new Inter Miami playmaker ended the season in fine fashion in a friendly against Australia in Beijing. World Cup winners Argentina put in a dominant performance in a 2-0 win over the Socceroos, who they also defeated in the round of 16 in Qatar.

Messi even set another new record by scoring just 80 seconds into the match and was on top form throughout just weeks before he makes the switch to David Beckham’s Herons. As ever, all eyes were on the ex-Barcelona star during La Albiceleste’s stay in China and he once again spoke to the media following the game, also touching on a number of other topics.

Messi on World Cup 2026, Inter Miami and PSG disappointment

Thoughts on the match: “We always enjoy coming here. Once again, it was difficult to play, mainly because it was very humid”.

Playing at World Cup 2026: “Because of my age [Messi will be 39] and time moving on, it’s unlikely that I’ll play at the next World Cup. Now, I just want to enjoy myself. Thinking about the World Cup is a step too far at the moment”.

Linking up with Argentina again: “We have to think about the games we have coming up and just enjoy being together again”.

Moving to Inter Miami. “I’m really looking forward to going on holiday. Then we’ll start up again”.

The last few seasons. “In recent years, I’ve found it tough to enjoy myself. Things haven’t gone as I would have liked”.

Will Messi rediscover his enjoyment in Miami? With the Herons sitting bottom of the MLS standings after 17 matches, perhaps his “I’m really looking forward to going on holiday” response above is understandable...