MLS
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has no intention of moving to Barcelona or Saudi Arabia on loan
With The Herons eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs, reports had linked the Argentina captain with a move away from David Beckham’s team.
Inter Miami’s poor recent run of form without the injured Lionel Messi saw them fail to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs, leading to speculation about the Argentina captain’s future. With The Herons not playing beyond the end of the regular season, the 36-year-old faces the prospect of not playing any competitive club soccer until February, when MLS’s 2024 season begins.
Since the Florida club’s elimination was confirmed, there have been reports suggesting Messi could go out on loan in order for him to maintain his sharpness. After all, Inter Miami won’t play a meaningful game for over three months once they finish up for 2023 against Charlotte FC on 21 October.
Barça return rumoured, Saudi interest in Messi
However, Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has no intention of making a temporary offseason switch, whether it be to former club Barcelona or the Saudi Pro League.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted Messi is fully focused on Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, with whom he will play two matches in October (against Paraguay and Peru) and a further two in November (versus Uruguay and Brazil), helping fill the void a little.
“Messi is not considering any loan move despite links with Barcelona and Saudi clubs. Full focus on Inter Miami and Argentina,” Romano posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
What is Messi’s schedule for the next few months?
World Cup 2026 qualifiers and end of MLS 2023
Messi is currently with La Albiceleste for their upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers this week, which will see them host Paraguay (12 October) before travelling two Peru (17 October). Following those two international games, the former PSG playmaker will round off his first season in MLS against Charlotte, who Inter Miami must face twice (18 and 21 October).
Inter Miami’s Asian friendly and more Argentina games
It has been reported The Herons are planning to play friendly games in China and Japan in the first week of November, although nothing has as yet been officially confirmed. Messi will then be back in action with Argentina at home to Uruguay (16 November) and then away to Brazil (21 November).
Holidays and pre-season
After those games, the 2022 World Cup winner will have five weeks off before returning to pre-season training in January as Gerardo “Tato” Martino begin to shape up for the new MLS campaign and the CONCACAF Champions Cup, both of which are expected to kick off in February.