Lionel Messi sent shockwaves all over the soccer world, when it was announced that he will join MLS club Inter Miami from Paris Saint Germain. There were many rumors that he will return to Barcelona, with both parties trying hard to reach a solution.
In the end, it was not possible due to the dire financial situation of the Catalan club and Messi’s own desire to leave Europe. Now even after joining the MLS, Messi may find himself back at Barcelona, thanks to his current club.
Inter Miami owner drops Lionel Messi bombshell
Since joining the Herons, Messi has lead them brilliantly on the pitch with his performances, scoring a total of 11 goals and 5 assists in 12 games so far. He has also managed to win their first trophy in the Leagues Cup. Though he was absent as they lost the US Open Cup final.
However, the Argentine could make a sensational return to the club where he spent the most of his career. This may happen due to the assurance of Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas. In an interview with Marca, the American billionaire revealed that Messi could return to Barcelona for a final goodbye.
Inter Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas has said he is open to his team playing a game at Barcelona to allow Lionel Messi to bid farewell to his fans đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/KQxuyMhW0j
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 3, 2023
The American owner admitted that Messi’s first choice was Barcelona and that the Argentine regrets not saying goodbye to his lifelong club. He said, “Messi’s departure from Barcelona was not to his liking, he could not say goodbye to his club, who welcomed him as a child, and I believe that the circumstances were not what Lionel wanted.”
So to convince Lionel Messi to join Miami instead, Mas promised him that he will allow Inter Miami to have a game against Barcelona so that he can have a final goodbye in front of his former Catalan fans.
“I gave Messi my commitment that I will do my best in the coming years so that he has the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans in Barcelona and we will hold a match of some kind.”
Messi also wants to say a final goodbye to his fans in Barcelona, and a testimonial match between the two teams could just provide that. However, Camp Nou is not due to be available until the end of 2024, and one can only assume that all the parties will prefer to have the match in the iconic stadium where Messi has played all his life.
Lionel Messi injury status
Lionel Messi is currently absent from the Miami squad after sustaining an injury while on international duty against Ecuador. He did recover soon enough but suffered a repeat of the same injury, this time with the Herons against Toronto FC.
Since then, the seven time Ballon d’Or winner has missed all subsequent matches, including the US Open Cup final. Already the team have lost the final, and have drawn two matches. It is clear that without Messi to save them, the team is struggling.
The gravity of Messi’s injury is being kept secret, perhaps to keep ticket prices high. There is still no official return date of Messi. But the Daily Mail reports that he was seen training alone on Tuesday. This could mean that he could feature in the next match, though Miami may not want to rush him back onto the pitch.
With or without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami will have to face Chicago Fire tomorrow as they continue to battle for the playoff spots in the MLS.
