The unexpected move from Barcelona came as a shock to the famous Argentine star Lionel Messi, but the distinguished striker confirmed that the presence of familiar faces in his new destination helped him adapt and settle in the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain easier.

Messi, 34, spent his entire career in Barcelona, ​​the Catalan club's historical top scorer with 672 goals, and moved to the French club at the end of last season on a two-year contract after Barcelona informed him of his inability to keep him.

I didn't make a mistake

Messi said in an interview with France Football magazine published today, Saturday, "I did not make a mistake. I returned to Barcelona (after the Copa America in July) to prepare for the new season after taking advantage of an additional holiday that coach Ronald Koeman gave me."

He added, "I was thinking of signing my contract and starting training immediately, and I thought that everything went as planned and that what was missing was my signature (on the contract)."

And Messi, who won the best player award six times in the world, added, "But when I arrived in Barcelona, ​​​​they told me that this matter no longer exists, that I could not continue and that I had to search for a new team because Barcelona could not afford to extend his contract with me. It was very difficult to imagine all This means that we will have to leave our home and change the system of family life."

The Argentine star's dialogue comes a day after Barcelona President Joan Laporta said that he wished Messi would decide to play for free for the Catalan club.

But in Saint-Germain, he rejoined his former Barcelona colleague, Neymar, who played alongside him in the Catalan club for 4 seasons.

In the Parisian club, Messi also joined his compatriots Leandro Paredes and Angel Di Maria, and coach Mauricio Pochettino is also Argentine.

Messi confirmed that all these aspects played a role in his decision, "the presence of acquaintances and friends of mine made me see that things will be easier, and that this will help me adapt and integrate."

The Argentine star said, "I was right in that because the integration and adaptation became very easy, especially since there are many players who speak Spanish like me, in addition to the presence of some friends such as Neymar, Paredes and Di Maria, who helped me when I arrived at the club."

Messi is now seeking to win the Champions League for the fifth time, while with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe a very strong and distinguished attacking partnership.

📺 Strongest winning moments 🆚 @ManCity in the #UEFA Champions League (2-0) 👀 #𝐏𝐒𝐆𝐌𝐂𝐈


pic.twitter.com/wdruKy3dRI

- Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_arab) October 1, 2021

Neymar's turn

There is an old strong relationship between Messi and Neymar, but understanding and harmony with French striker Mbappe, who also speaks fluent Spanish, will need time.

"These aspects make things easier," Messi said. "I have been here for a short time, and it is too early to judge things, but I am sure that things will go well."

Messi admitted that adapting to life in Paris in general was not easy, saying, "I have to admit that I am still a little lost. I have to get to know the city to find my way easier somehow."

"I had my habits in Barcelona, ​​I knew every area, and I often went to the same places," he added.

Messi, his wife and their three children have not yet settled on a suitable home, as they are staying in a hotel yet.

Messi said his children are starting to teach him French "they're better than me at this", as they pick up the new language quickly at school.