Lionel Messi has made a huge impact in the American soccer scenario. The veteran playmaker joined Inter Miami in July and quickly made his mark on his new team, inspiring the David Beckham-owned franchise to their first trophy since their inception in 2018.
With the MLS season over, Lionel Messi has been touted for a loan move to Barcelona until the beginning of a new MLS season next year. However, the former Barcelona playmaker has played down these reports, committing his future to Inter Miami as he hopes to lead the club to glory before the expiration of his contract in 2025.
Lionel Messi pays tribute to Inter Miami
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in the last transfer window and has been the club’s most influential player by a country mile since arriving at the Florida club. The Argentine enjoyed a good start to life in the MLS, scoring tons of goals in his early days at the club and eventually lifting his first trophy when he led the club to the Leagues Cup title in August in a hard-fought win over Nashville.
Messi, however, did not end the season on a positive note. The Argentine had several injury issues that kept him on the sidelines for some weeks, which coincided with Inter Miami going on a winless run. Despite these disappointments, Lionel Messi paid tribute to his new club as the curtains closed on the MLS season two days ago.
“Proud of all the team accomplished this season,” Messi wrote on Instagram following the club’s last game.
“With the work and effort of everyone, we were able to win the Leagues Cup, clinching the first title in Open Cup history, and we made it to the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. and were even fighting to get into the playoffs almost until the very last moment.
“We stay with all the good things and, above all, the desire to improve to be even more competitive next year,” he concluded.
Lionel Messi to Barcelona rumors
Lionel Messi admitted he had hoped to return to Barcelona after his contract with PSG expired at the end of last season. He even had a few meetings with Joan Laporta, the club’s president, but a deal could not be reached, and he eventually joined Inter Miami.
With the MLS season now over, it’s been rumored that Barcelona could take Lionel Messi on loan for a few months until the league resumes next year. However, Messi has poured water on these rumors, claiming he’s 100% focused on Inter Miami and all they could achieve together when the league resumes next year.
Reputable soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Lionel Messi never considered a loan move to Barcelona.
This would be disappointing for Xavi, as he must have hoped Messi could come in and improve the team amidst an injury crisis at Barcelona.
Will Messi still play for Barcelona before retiring? Make sure to let us know in the comments section.
