Romano reveals the truth behind the Messi to Barcelona reports
Tom Weber
- Updated: 11 Oct 2023 10:41 BST
- 3 min read
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that there is nothing to the rumours of Lionel Messi potentially returning to Barcelona in January.
Speculation surrounding the Argentine World Cup winner and his immediate future has been mounting since last week. Inter Miami have officially missed out on the MLS playoffs, which means that Messi won't be in domestic league action from late October until February.
With some of the league's biggest names like Thierry Henry and David Beckham having previously utilised January loans back to Europe to bridge the long offseason, Messi has been tipped to do similar to finally get his triumphant return to Barcelona after a summer move proved impossible.
READ: 'You probably wouldn't deem it a success' - Yedlin on Messi's maiden MLS season
However, reports in Spain have already dismissed these rumours, claiming that neither the Blaugrana nor the 36-year-old are thinking about a deal at this moment. There have also been reports of a shock Saudi loan bid, but nothing has since developed on that front.
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Messi likely won't return to his former stomping ground in January.
What did Romano say?
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano said: "Fans have been asking me about the various press reports about Lionel Messi and a possible loan move to Europe as Inter Miami won’t be playing competitive football again for a few months, and we’ve seen players based in the US making similar moves in the past, such as David Beckham and Thierry Henry when they were playing there."
"However, I can honestly say that, for the moment, I have no info at all on Messi and a loan departure. Messi is focused on Inter Miami and there’s nothing else to mention right now. It’s normal to have speculation about such a big name, and of course things could change, but there’s no truth to current rumours about Barcelona, or any other club."
READ: PSG's Xavi Simons set for shock summer move amid Barcelona and Man City interest
“Of course, I have to say I’d love to see Messi back at Barcelona again one day, that would be fantastic and a ‘romantic’ move, but at the same time, it’s correct to let him decide whatever he wants.”
