It seems like that he was avoiding to face ronaldo. Benzema, Kante, Ronaldo have been going to the SPL. It seems like that messi was trying the different choice. It's a bit surprise for so many people if messi was willing to play in the miami.
I can't even expect it to happen. So many messi fans are feeling disappointed with his decision to go to the miami. To be honest if SPL becomes a better place to retire rather than miami.
I think Messi want to protect his reputation because many people don't like their players join Saudi Arabian teams, they think the players are playing football to make money, nothing more. Messi join Inter Miami and get paid with low amount money, so it will make people think Messi is playing football for dedication.
Messi might want to increase his popularity by moving into the new league where there's no big player on there, since we all know what make Saudi Professional League big because of Ronaldo.