Lionel Messi Set For FC Barcelona Return In Inter Miami MLS Offseason
Lionel Messi could return to FC Barcelona on loan from Inter Miami in late 2023, or at the turn of 2024, if following the trajectory of other European stars that switched to the MLS yet made temporary pit stops on the Old Continent prior to heading back across the Atlantic.
In interviews with Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, Messi announced that he will join the David Beckham co-owned franchise after being released from his Paris Saint-Germain contract on June 30.
Messi is expected to sign a three-year contract with his new outfit, who are currently rock bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Before he has even kicked a competitive ball for The Herons, however, there is already talk of the Argentine returning to FC Barcelona on a temporary basis.
According to L’Equipe, Inter Miami signing Messi and loaning him out to Barcelona in an attempt to derail Al-Hilal’s efforts to land the Qatar 2022 champion was previously explored.
These reports were thrown out by other outlets, but the feeling that Messi probably won’t wish to stay inactive through the MLS offseason in the run-up to Argentina defending their Copa America title on American soil in 2024 suggests that playing some of his football at Barca next term is a likelihood.
Given Beckham did this himself in 2009 at the LA Galaxy, which led him to a few months with AC Milan, he might be open to the opportunity previously taken up by Messi’s former Barca teammate Thierry Henry plus Americans such as Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey who enjoyed impressive European careers.
As mentioned, Inter Miami currently lie rock bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Sergio Aguero has revealed that Messi said his new side must reach the playoffs when his close friend teased him about the situation through a screenshot of the standings.
To achieve this, Miami must make up at least six points on eighth placed Charlotte FC who occupy the last Wild Card spot – and that could become nine points considering a game in hand The Crown has over them.
If they manage the tall task, though, Miami would play Wild Card matches, or a Round One Best-of-3 series should they scrape seventh, in late October.
Even when being positive about the immediate impact Messi could have, imagining a deep run in the post-season for Miami is wishful thinking.
Their 2023 campaign could be done by November, and while the MLS 2024 season start date hasn’t been confirmed yet, Messi might end up twiddling his thumbs until the spring when he could be staying sharp in Europe.
By taking a temporary loan at Barca, he stars in important La Liga matches and also possibly their last group game in the Champions League.
There would be a push for the last 16 in mid-February too, granted Barca break an embarrassing two-year hoodoo and progress beyond the elite competition’s first phase.
The potential and temporary switch is something that could be practised every winter, and also hand Messi the chance to play at the newly-renovated Spotify Camp Nou in 2024/2025.
Follow me on Twitter.
