The Argentine icon is currently playing in MLS with Inter Miami, but could return to Europe during the American off-season. Jordi Cruyff, son of Blaugrana legend Johan Cruyff, has reacted to these transfer rumors.
New contract for Messi: linked to Inter Miami until 2028.
Messi has ruled out a permanent return to the Camp Nou, having recently paid a secret tour of the stadium as renovation work finishes. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has extended his contract in South Florida until 2028.
However, short-term loans have already been granted by MLS superstars in the past: David Beckham had two spells at AC Milan when he played at LA Galaxy, and Thierry Henry briefly returned to Arsenal when he was linked with the New York Red Bulls. It has been suggested that Messi could follow a similar path.
Messi: Could the Argentinian imitate Beckham and Henry?
Cruyff, who played for Barca as a player before becoming the club’s sporting director, is not convinced Messi will return to familiar surroundings. Asked about these surprising transfer rumors, he told reporters, as reported by SPORT: “One last dance? I don’t know his plans, so I can’t answer this question, but he is a very special player because of everything he has represented since his childhood.
“My father also left sometimes in better shape, sometimes in worse shape, but the affection always ends up being reciprocal. What is clear is that the one who decides his destiny and his future, when and how, is Leo, as my father did.
Asked further about the possibility of Messi – who won the MLS Golden Boot in 2025 and has 42 goals this season – continuing to play in La Liga after leaving Barca in 2021 to join a free Paris Saint-Germain, Cruyff added: “ I don’t know, it’s up to him to decide. He is playing in another championship, the World Cup is fast approaching and it is his great passion at the moment. There is also the question of La Liga, and he is competitive; it has to be decided by both parties, and I, from the outside, don’t have much to say. »
