MLS

Martino “unaware” of Messi to Barcelona rumors

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino was asked about the possibility of releasing Messi in the coming months after the team failed to qualify for the postseason.

CHRIS ARJOONAFP

Inter Miami waved goodbye to the MLS playoffs prematurely. Despite still having two regular season games to play, the ‘Herons’ will enjoy just over four months of rest until the new season starts (scheduled for the end of February 2024). A great dilemma now hangs over the Florida franchise - Leo Messi’s mid-term future. As in the past with other stars, there is the possibility of allowing the No.10 to go out on loan. That is a dream prospect for many Barcelona fans, who would love to see their legend return - even for just a couple of months.

The 0-1 defeat to Cincinnati means Inter Miami’s season is basically over - an gone with it are Messi’s dreams of winning his first MLS title. A few media commentators have suggested that Messi could return, temporarily, to Barcelona, and even asked coach Tata Martino directly about the rumor. “Messi to Barcelona? Not to go for a stroll, right? Honestly, that surprises me. I know nothing about it. If you tell me that you are going to visit Barcelona on vacation, then yes, that is a possibility. But to tell you the truth, I have no idea about any of this,” the Argentine coach stated with a smile at a press conference.

Since the possibility of Inter Miami missing out on the playoffs arose, Messi has been linked to a number of clubs. Such a long period of inactivity - four months at least, would have an adverse effect on Messi’s fitness. That’s not healthy for a player who has his heart set on competing at next summer’s Copa América with Argentina.

Although many dream of a possible return to Barcelona - especially after Ansu Fati’s departure, which left the legendary No.10 shirt orphaned, for at least a couple of months, the reality is very different. Barça tried to close Messi’s return last summer, but the operation was impossible due to Financial Fair Play limitations, in addition to the fact that the Catalans are already eagerly awaiting Vitor Roque’s imminent arrival.

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In Argentina, there is an even more crazy proposal - Messi’s long-awaited first team debut with Newell’s Old Boys. The Argentine is a declared fan of the club from Rosario, his hometown, and spent five years playing in the club’s youth teams, but leaving for Barcelona at a very young age. The chance for Leo to return to his roots and play for his childhood club is also being mooted.

Beckham’s stint in Milan, an example

In January 2009, David Beckham set the precedent for what could happen with Messi. At that time, the Los Angeles Galaxy, who Beckham had joined in 2007 were left out of the postseason - just like Inter Miami are now. Like Messi’s plans for next year’s Copa América, Beckham was keen to remain competitive for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. After talking it through with England boss Fabio Capello, he decided to join AC Milan on loan.

Beckham’s move took to Milan place during the first half of the MLS, or in other words, the end of the season in Europe. The idea of Messi having ‘one last dance’ with FC Barcelona is exciting, whether it will materialize or not is another issue.

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