New Delhi: Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi could rejoin his former club, FC Barcelona, on loan in a sensational move. The Argentine’s contract with Inter runs until December 2025. As reported by El Nacional, Messi is expected to sign a new deal with Inter, and under MLS regulations, he can be loaned out during the off-season from November to March.
Messi could sign a deal with the Florida-based franchise until 2026, and that could mean the Argentine could retire when the American season comes to an end. This means that Messi could be in perfect condition for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will celebrate his 39th birthday during the tournament, which could be expected as his last hurrah at the club. A special clause in the deal would get activated just like Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic used the clause to return to Arsenal and AC Milan, respectively, in the past.
Lionel Messi had to leave the club back in 2021 amid the club’s financial struggles but has been linked with a potential return since then. After leaving, he played for Paris Saint Germain for two years before making a move to Inter Miami.
Barcelona fans chant Lionel Messi’s name in the Spanish Super Cup final
Barcelona fans chanted Lionel Messi’s name during Barca’s recent thrashing of their arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-2 during the Super Spanish Cup final in Jeddah. While the Argentine no longer plays for the Catalans fans love him and have made it evident on many occasions.
🚨🗣️ Barcelona fans chanting “Messi, Messi” at 40th minute in El Classico game 😭😭
Lionel Messi’s influence is UNREAL 🤯pic.twitter.com/VZ8PxO9993
— ACE (fan) (@FCB_ACEE) January 12, 2025
Messi is considered one of the all-time greats and significantly contributed to Barcelona’s dominance in Spain and Europe. Over 21 seasons at the club, he scored 672 goals and made 303 assists in 778 appearances, earning 34 trophies throughout his time at Camp Nou.
Messi’s loan would mean no rest for the Argentine
Lionel Messi must strategically manage the next 12-18 months to perform optimally for both Argentina and Inter Miami while also keeping an eye on a potential return to Barca.
If he returns to Camp Nou, it cannot simply be a symbolic move, as he would be taking the place of a teammate who may be thriving under Hansi Flick by that time.
While seeing Messi in the Blaugrana colours again would undoubtedly thrill Barca fans, it shouldn’t come at the cost of undermining their chances for the Champions League and the Spanish top-flight title next season.
Barcelona’s all-time top scorer Lionel Messi with 672 goals and 303 assists, is set for a stunning 2025 return from Inter Miami, reigniting Blaugrana magic. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
