Messi: Never valued the Ballon d'Or! After winning the World Cup, I don't even think about not wanting to leave Barça for Paris

On Sunday, Internacional Miami will face Nashville in the CONCACAF Cup final. Messi attended his first pre-match press conference, so let's take a look at what he said.

Are you satisfied with your current results?

Messi: I came to the U.S. with great enthusiasm and joy, eager to continue to be successful, just as I have done throughout my career. Getting to the final was a huge surprise and we were preparing for it every day and everyone was very happy. Martino's arrival has seen great progress and is delighted to have achieved its first goal, which is to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

About joining Miami International

Coming to the U.S. was deliberate, and it was a decision our family made together. I didn't think about it, I just wanted to play football and enjoy football, which is the number one reason why I chose to be here. I was very happy with the decision I made, happy for my family, I was impressed by the hospitality of the people, not only in Miami, but also in Dallas, and I was happy to be able to continue playing football and have fun in this way.

Adaptation to a new life

We arrived in Miami a month and a half ago and still don't have a house I want to live in, but from the club to the fans I met on the street, it made me feel easy to adapt. Our city is very big and every day is peaceful and happy. Now my children are about to start school. It was easier than we thought, having travelled from Barcelona to Paris before, but here it was different.

Impressions of the CONCACAF Cup

Thanks to all of our teammates, we adapted from the start. With poor performances in MLS, we knew it was an opportunity to make a difference, but also a great opportunity to set goals and compete for championships. We have to compete with Mexican teams, who are at a high level because it's a competitive league with world-class players. The American team is also very high-level, and they can compete with Mexican teams.

Feelings about the United States

I've been here for holidays before and know everything here. I love being in Miami, and now life brings me closer to Miami. We can't go out yet because of the intensive schedule, but I'm happy and enjoy this new stage, which is what I've always thought.

Whether or not you want to win the eighth Ballon d'Or

I've spoken about this topic many times in my career. Although it is a very important award and one of the most wonderful on an individual level, I have never valued it, I have always focused on the group award. I've been fortunate to have achieved everything in my career. After winning the World Cup, I wouldn't think about the Ballon d'Or anymore. If you get it, of course it's good, if you can't get it, it will be very good, it's nothing.

The difference between Paris and Miami

I'm where I want to go right now, going to Paris wasn't what I wanted, it was a sudden decision and I didn't want to leave Barca. After living in Barcelona for so many years, I had to adapt to a new place as soon as possible. It's difficult, but luckily it's very different from where I'm in Miami right now.