Lionel Messi opens door to Barcelona return after Inter Miami decision

Cameron Smith

13 Jan 2025 12:00 GMT
3 min read

Lionel Messi could open the door to a Barcelona return in 2026 if he signs a new contract with Inter Miami.

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The Argentina legend has spent the last 18 months with the Florida-based outfit and although his current deal is due to expire at the end of the year, he is on the verge of signing an extension until December 2026.

Spanish outlet El Nacional report that Messi’s new deal with Inter Miami could also result in a loan spell back at Barcelona ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The MLS season runs from March to November and with the World Cup on the horizon, Messi could opt to return to Barcelona on loan during the off-season in America.

This would enable the Argentina forward to stay match fit over the winter, before gearing up for the World Cup with regular action in the MLS.

© IMAGO - Lionel Messi is widely expected to sign a new contract with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi to re-join Barcelona in 2026?

Thierry Henry famously returned to Arsenal on loan in 2012, during the MLS off-season, and Messi could follow suit by re-joining Barcelona in 2026 - five years after his emotional farewell ahead of a free transfer move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, the 37-year-old would arguably no longer be a guaranteed starter at Camp Nou. Robert Lewandowski has scored 26 goals in 27 games this campaign as he continues to age like fine wine, while Gavi and Dani Olmo are already in competition over the No.10 role.

Current ETV

Lionel Messi

F, AM (R)

Lionel Messi

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ETV Range

€10.4M - €17.3M

Furthermore, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have registered a combined 50 goal contributions across all competitions so far this season and are currently the most in-form wing duo in world football.

Messi has scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists in 39 games for Inter Miami and he is expected to extend his spell at the club by a further 12 months.