 "Lionel Messi signed with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami in 2023 after parting ways with French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Reuters")
Will Lionel Messi make one last appearance for FC Barcelona after his contract with Inter Miami comes to an end later this year? According to Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, who also happens to be Messi’s biographer, such a move is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Messi decided to head to the United States after parting ways with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023, signing a deal with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami that was worth $150 million and expires later this summer, with an option to extend it till 2026.
There were speculations that the 37-year-old forward, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, would return to the Catalan club one last time and make an appearance at the renovated Camp Nou before calling time on his playing career.
Messi likely to extend stay at Inter Miami, says Balague
Balague, however, argues neither Messi – a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy – is interested in such a move nor is it possible till the time Joan Laporta is in charge of the 27-time Spanish champions.
“Messi has got no intention to return to Barcelona. I would say it is impossible while Laporta is in charge,” Balague wrote on X in response to a post that claimed the Barcelona were “studying the possibility” of bringing Messi back.
“Quite likely, Inter Miami will convince him to remain at the club,” he added.
Messi’s arrival in 2023 has transformed the fortunes of Inter Miami, the club that is co-owned by Manchester United and England legend David Beckham.
Messi’s presence has put Inter Miami on the football map the way Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival did for Saudi Pro League (SPL) club Al-Nassr.
Shortly after his arrival, ‘The Herons’ won the Leagues Cup – their first major trophy. And in 2024, they would lift the Supporters’ Shield after finishing with the most points at the end of the MLS regular season.
Messi, who had starred in Argentina’s triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, had been presented with the ‘Most Valuable Player’ Award for the 2024 season in December.