Lionel Messi claims he rejected offers from European clubs to play with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday, Messi explained that the only club he would have left Paris Saint-Germain for in Europe was Barcelona.

“I had offers from other European teams but I didn’t even evaluate them because my idea was to go to Barcelona and, if that didn’t come about, then leaving European football after winning the World Cup was what I needed.

“Now I will close my career in this country and experience the MLS in a different way, enjoying the day-to-day much more – but with the same responsibility of wanting to win and always doing things well but with more peace of mind,” Messi said.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is now a free agent, as his PSG deal runs out this month.