The 35-year-old Argentine, who was a free agent after spending two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, has been tempted to join the MLS side for a number of different reasons, according to reports.
It is said the South Florida lifestyle was an important factor on top of a deal involving contributions from two of MLS' biggest commercial partners – Apple TV, their current broadcast rights holder – and Adidas, the league's apparel sponsor.
Adidas is also said to be offering Messi a profit-sharing agreement, which would involve the player receiving a cut of any increase in Adidas' profits resulting from his involvement in America's top division.
Now, the Argentine has spoken to Spanish publications SPORT and Mundo Deportivo about his latest venture.
As translated by Twitter account @barcacentre, Messi said: "I heard that Barcelona had to sell players or lower player salaries and the truth is that I didn't want to go through that.
"Although I heard that it was said that La Liga had accepted everything and that everything was fine for me to return, there were still many other things that had to happen.
"I really wanted to return, I was very excited to be able to return, but, on the other hand, after having experienced what I experienced when I left, I didn't want to be in the same situation again. I didn't want to leave my future in someone else's hands."
He added: "I will not return to Barcelona, I will join Inter Miami.
"After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it was time to go to the United States to live football in a different way and enjoy more day to day. Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to want to win and to always do things well. But more calmly."
