Lionel Messi is "eager" to begin the next chapter of his career when he moves to Major League Soccer after a return to Barcelona did not materialise as he hoped.
Messi, 35, announced last week his decision to join Inter Miami CF once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30 and said he is ready for the challenge that awaits him in the U.S.
"I'm well," he told Argentinian TV Publica. "Initially, we had a different idea [to return to Barcelona].
"We're happy with the decision we have taken. I'm ready and eager to face this new challenge, this change."
A 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina, Messi had offers to return to former club Barcelona as well as a possible move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, but ultimately decided to join co-owner David Beckham's Inter Miami in MLS.
"[The decision] was an important step but at the same time, I was aware of what it meant, of what I was doing," Messi added. "We're happy."
Messi, who revealed this week he has no plans to play at the 2026 World Cup, is not slowing down.
The Argentina captain scored the fastest goal of his international career, netting after 79 seconds as the Albiceleste beat Australia 2-0 in a friendly on Thursday.
"If I'm being honest, had we not won the World Cup, I would no longer be playing for the national team," Messi said. "I can't leave the national team as a world champion. I want to enjoy this."
