FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta says it's strange seeing Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi in an Inter Miami shirt after turning down a return to the Camp Nou.
Messi did receive an offer from the LaLiga champions, while there were also approaches from the emerging Saudi Pro League
Read: Messi Scores Inter Miami Brace, Reaches New Milestone!
The Argentine superstar has slotted in quite seamlessly after bagging three goals in his first two appearances for the MLS outfit.
"It's a strange feeling," Laporta told ESPN.
"We identify Messi with Barcelona. That's the way I think most supporters see Messi, because most of his career has been at Barca.
"But we respect his decision and we wish the best for him. We want the best for our players. He came to Barcelona as a kid, 14-years-old, and he spent 20 years with us. I hope he can be very happy in Miami."
When asked about a deal for Messi, Laporta added, "It was very close. We had to manage our financial fair play situation so we needed time. At the end, we reached an agreement with LaLiga that authorised us to add him to the squad.
"But Leo was coming from a situation in Paris where he was under a lot of pressure. His father told me that he needed a place where he won't be under pressure and at Barca that would not be the case because of the meaning of the return of our hero."
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