Barcelona has been grappling with the constraints of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations for an extended period. These financial limitations thwarted their plans to reunite with the club legend, Lionel Messi, following the conclusion of his contract at PSG. At present, the prospects of Messi’s return to Barca appear even more remote than before, as he claims he is happy at Inter Miami after celebrating his 8th Ballon d’Or with teammates.
While the likelihood of Messi making a competitive return to Barcelona as a player remains exceedingly low, there is a possibility that he could participate in a farewell match at the newly renovated Camp Nou in 2024 or 2025, when his contract with Inter Miami comes to an end.
Lionel Messi explains his decision to join Inter Miami
Lionel Messi has categorically ruled out the possibility of a loan move to Barcelona during the MLS off-season, asserting that he is content with his decision to join Inter Miami. He stated that he rejected numerous offers from Europe and Saudi Arabia, affirming his happiness with his current choice.
The 2023 MLS regular season concluded last month, and since Inter Miami did not qualify for the playoffs, they won’t be back in competitive action until February. In previous MLS off-seasons, notable players like David Beckham and Thierry Henry returned to Europe, raising hopes among Barcelona fans that their club legend, Messi, might be enticed to do the same.
Nonetheless, Lionel Messi has firmly rejected the idea of making a loan return to Barcelona after completing his inaugural MLS season with Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi talks on return to FC Barcelona
Barcelona initially had an opportunity to reacquire Lionel Messi after his stint at PSG. However, this endeavour was unsuccessful due to concerns that it would have violated Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, has expressed his desire to witness Messi’s return to the Nou Camp. However, the 36-year-old superstar has made it clear that such a reunion is out of the question and believes he will never play in Europe again. When questioned about the prospect of a loan move to Barcelona or any other European club, Messi told L’Equipe, “No, no chance. Not at all.”
“I could have returned, but it wasn’t like that,” Messi said, in terms of the move being easy to pull off as he was nearing free agency in the French capital.
“It was something similar to what happened in 2021. It was very similar to having to go to Paris in 2021.
“I thought about returning to Barca, about my life there, about retiring there as I always wanted, but it wasn’t possible,” he added.
Nevertheless, Messi admitted to maintaining a close watch on the club that holds a special place in his heart. He stated, “Evidently, I follow them as [I did] when I was in Paris. It seems to me that the team has progressed positively since the arrival of Xavi, with a blend of young talent and seasoned players like [Robert] Lewandowski and [Jules] Kounde.”
Do you want to see Messi in the Blaugrana jersey for one last time? Tell us in the comments section.
