LIONEL MESSI could be set for a sensational return to Barcelona in January – but it all depends on Inter Miami’s fate.
The 36-year-old Argentina superstar came through the ranks at the Nou Camp to achieve legendary status with the LaLiga club.
He smashed almost every record going and fired them to ten titles, four Champions League crowns and the Fifa Club World Cup on three occasions.
However, as the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic crippled Barcelona, they were unable to afford his contract renewal in 2021.
Messi did bid an emotional farewell at a press conference after agreeing a switch to Paris Saint-Germain but he never got the opportunity to say goodbye out on the Nou Camp pitch in front of his adoring public.
Now Spanish publication Sport are claiming that he may finally get that opportunity to get a proper send-off in what would be a magical return this summer.
READ MORE FOOTBALL
But it all depends on whether his new side Inter Miami makes the Major League Soccer play-offs.
Messi departed PSG this summer as a free agent but Barcelona were still unable to afford a deal to bring him back.
He instead jetted off to America to sign for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
The forward has made a huge impact so far Stateside as inspired the club to its first-ever piece of silverware in August as they beat Nashville to lift the League Cup.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Their league form has also taken a huge upturn, but this fresh report states that Barcelona are considering a loan move for him during the winter window should Inter not make the MLS play-offs.
Sport claim that no move has been discussed with Beckham’s outfit yet, but it is an option that Barcelona are seriously considering.
Inter are five points off the play-off places in the Eastern Conference with just three games of the regular season left to go.
Should they progress, then that could result in them going all the way to the MLS Cup Final, which takes place on December 9.
And should that scenario occur, then this update says that would scupper Barca’s hopes of luring Messi back.
They are next in action tonight at home to leaders Cincinnati – but it remains to be seen if Messi will be in action.
The veteran magician has been sidelined for the last four matches with a scar tissue problem.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
