Beckham will hate Aguero's latest Messi update

Stuart Telford

• 26 Nov 2023 13:17 GMT
• 3 min read

David Beckham was delighted to win the race for Lionel Messi's signature on behalf of Inter Miami last July, but the Argentine's close friend Sergio Aguero thinks an eventual Barcelona return is inevitable.

Messi was in high demand last summer when it became clear he had no intention of extending his stay with Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona tried everything to re-sign their club legend.

But despite the emotional pull of Barcelona, and the money on offer from the Saudi Pro League, Messi chose Miami, before firing Inter to glory in the inaugural Leagues Cup in August.

The Herons failed to make the MLS Play Offs, however, and Messi was linked with a return to Europe on loan until the regular season kicks off again in February - something he and Inter have both shot down.

Aguero tips Messi return

But Aguero, who used to room with Messi on international duty with Argentina, thinks it's only a matter of time before Messi returns to Camp Nou.

"Leo always said that he loves Barcelona," the Manchester City legend told AS's Joe Brennan. "He feels very identified with the club and city. We haven't discussed it, but sometimes I think it's just a matter of time before he returns to Barcelona."

Messi is under contract in Miami until 31 December 2025, and still valued at €35 million by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm despite his 36 years of age, so Barca won't have the cash to buy him anytime soon.

The Blaugrana have received a recent boost in their hopes of signing Vitor Roque in January, however, with Gavi's injury freeing up a salary space in their squad.

A number of their former players are now playing alongside Messi at Inter, with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba following him there last summer, and Luis Suarez reportedly set o follow suit soon.