11 goals and 5 assists in 12 matches in all competitions. Here is Lionel Messi’s more than attractive record since his debut in Major League Soccer. Now far from the French capital, the Argentinian international (176 caps, 104 goals) is having fun under the colors of Inter Miami, coached by Gerardo Tata Martino and owned by a certain David Beckham. Yes, but here it is, if the native of Rosario was quick to make a name for himself across the Atlantic with a thunderous debut, the last few weeks have proven to be much more complicated. To the point of questioning its future?
If we are to believe the latest information from the Catalan press and more precisely from the daily Sport, the idea is not totally far-fetched. Indeed, the Spanish media is echoing rumors about a potential return to Europe, to FC Barcelona, his favorite club where he spent almost the majority of his career. The newspaper specifies, in this sense, that a loan of the Argentine striker to the Cules could take place next January if Inter Miami does not qualify for the MLS playoffs. And the situation is, to date, very poorly underway…
A return to Barça in January?
After another scathing setback against Chicago (0-4), last Wednesday, the Florida franchise is currently penultimate in the Eastern Conference with five points behind Montreal, 9th and last play-off, with three games to play. To make matters worse, Lionel Messi, for his part, is experiencing a first setback. If the Pulga had, in fact, scored a whopping 10 goals in its first 7 outings, allowing its team to win the Leagues Cup title, the aftermath is more painful.
Hampered by muscle fatigue, the man who won his first World Cup with the Albiceleste missed his team’s last four matches, including the US Open Cup final. In the event of failure to qualify, Messi would then have a little more than three and a half months off before the resumption of the new regular season next February. Enough to revive the rumors around his future and this possibility of a loan for a few months, two and a half years after his departure from Barça. Sport indicates, in this respect, this possible scenario emanates from the promise of Jorge Mas, co-owner of the club, to allow Messi to benefit from a dignified farewell in Catalonia…
Under contract until December 2025 with Inter Miami, could the seven-time Golden Ball winner already leave MLS, just a few months after his arrival? For the moment, this outcome seems inconceivable, especially since certain sources from the American club and the player have also assured Sport that this possibility of a loan has never been mentioned before. Recently mentioned on the Rosario side, Lionel Messi continues, whatever happens, to shake up the football world both on and off the MLS pitches. It now remains to be seen whether Inter Miami will manage to qualify for the playoffs. The best way for the Herons to put an end to this matter…
