Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, could make a sensational return to FC Barcelona, his former club. Speculations are rife that Messi might embark on a temporary stint at Barcelona, adding another intriguing chapter to his illustrious career. The possibility of seeing Lionel Messi back in the iconic Blaugrana jersey has ignited excitement among fans and reignited hopes of witnessing his mesmerizing skills at the Camp Nou once again. Barcelona enthusiasts eagerly await updates on Lionel Messi's potential homecoming and the impact it could have on the team's fortunes.
Lionel Messi's potential return to FC Barcelona is generating buzz as he could make a loan move from Inter Miami during the MLS offseason. Following the trend of other European stars who joined the MLS but made temporary stops in Europe before returning, Messi's trajectory might lead him back to the Catalan club in late 2023 or early 2024.
In recent interviews with Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, Messi confirmed his intention to join Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30. The talented Argentine is expected to sign a three-year deal with the struggling Eastern Conference team.
Interestingly, even before making his debut for The Herons, discussions have emerged about Messi potentially returning to FC Barcelona on a temporary basis. L'Equipe reports that Barcelona had previously explored the possibility of signing Messi from Inter Miami on loan, aiming to disrupt Al-Hilal's efforts to acquire the Qatar 2022 champion.
Despite conflicting reports, it seems unlikely that Lionel Messi would choose to remain inactive during the MLS offseason, especially with Argentina defending their Copa America title on American soil in 2024. This suggests that a potential return to FC Barcelona for part of the upcoming season is a strong possibility.
David Beckham's own experience in 2009, where he played for LA Galaxy before a stint with AC Milan, could make him open to the idea, following in the footsteps of Messi's former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry and successful American players like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey who had notable European careers.
Currently sitting at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, Inter Miami faces a challenging task to make it to the playoffs. Sergio Aguero revealed that Messi emphasized the importance of reaching the playoffs when they discussed the situation, using a screenshot of the standings as a playful tease.
To secure a playoff spot, Miami must make up a minimum of six points on eighth-placed Charlotte FC, who currently hold the last Wild Card position. Taking into account a game in hand, this gap could increase to nine points. If they manage to accomplish this feat, Miami would participate in Wild Card matches or potentially a Round One Best-of-3 series in late October.
While there is excitement surrounding Lionel Messi's potential return to FC Barcelona on a temporary loan, the likelihood of Inter Miami making a deep postseason run seems optimistic. Their 2023 season could conclude by November, leaving Messi with idle time until the MLS 2024 season begins, which is yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, staying sharp in Europe during the offseason could be a more viable option for him.
By joining Barcelona on loan, Messi would have the opportunity to feature in crucial La Liga matches, as well as potentially participating in their last group game in the Champions League. There would also be a chance to push for the last 16 in mid-February, provided Barcelona breaks their two-year streak of failing to progress beyond the group stage in the prestigious tournament.
This potential temporary switch could be a recurring practice during future winters, providing Messi with the opportunity to play at the newly-renovated Spotify Camp Nou in the 2024/2025 season.
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