Did Lionel Messi’s switch to Inter Miami happen after a prolonged period of openly considering a reunion with his former club, Barcelona, following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain?
The Argentine legend’s future garnered intense media attention in the summer of 2023. As his contract with PSG approached its end, Messi’s stint with the French team proved uneasy, failing to win over the fans during his two seasons at Parc des Princes.
Naturally, Barcelona expressed interest in bringing back their greatest player, and there were even confident speculations about Messi’s return during the transfer window. While the Saudi Pro League was initially considered a potential destination, Inter Miami eventually took the lead and officially announced his move to Major League Soccer.
Nevertheless, Messi’s relocation to the United States hasn’t extinguished talks of a potential return to Barcelona in the future. Rumors have circulated, suggesting that the 36-year-old might rejoin the Blaugrana on loan if he is not engaged in the MLS Cup Playoffs. But is that a realistic possibility?
Is it possible for Lionel Messi to make a return to Barcelona on loan in January 2024?
Could we see Lionel Messi back in Barcelona’s colors in January 2024? Fans are speculating about the possibility, especially if Inter Miami doesn’t secure a spot in the playoffs.
David Beckham’s team is struggling to break into the top nine of the Eastern Conference, a requirement for making it to the MLS post-season championship format. Currently trailing by five points with only three games left, Inter Miami needs a significant points turnaround to qualify.
Messi, who joined Miami and helped them win the Leagues Cup, made his MLS debut in late August. While Miami has remained unbeaten in the four MLS games Messi played, they’ve been without their star player since his injury after the 4-0 victory over Toronto in September. Since then, they haven’t won a game, drawing with Orlando City and NYCFC and losing to Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup and Chicago Fire.
Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021 didn’t allow for a proper on-pitch farewell due to the club’s financial crisis. However, Inter Miami’s president, Jorge Mas, has floated the idea of a reunion, proposing an exhibition game to provide Messi with the opportunity to bid farewell to Barcelona fans. He expressed his commitment, stating, “Messi’s departure from Barcelona was not to his liking… I gave him my commitment that I will do everything possible in the coming years to give him the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans in Barcelona. Inter Miami will go or we will do some kind of match.”
