Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Messi to Barcelona? Inter Miami forward wants Barcelona return after MLS stint, confirms Miami co-owner

Lionel Messi is currently on Inter Miami's 'Americas Tour'.

Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Inter Miami forward, Lionel Messi will see his contract expire in one year. An Argentina-based journalist earlier reported that Lionel Messi has revealed his career plan to a family friend. As per reports, the 37-year-old will return to Barcelona after the MLS stint with Inter Miami. Now, Miami co-owner sparked Messi’s return to Camp Nou.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup and Supporters Shield glory since his arrival in 2023. Messi recently scored the first goal of the year during Inter Miami’s pre-season win against Mexican club, Club America.

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Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham claimed that Lionel Messi will return to stay in Barcelona after completing the MLS contract with the Herons. He gave reference how Messi loves Barcelona and will move there.

🔵🔴David Beckham: “I would like Messi to live in Miami after he retires… but Leo has told me that he ONLY thinks about living near the Camp Nou”.

“There is NO player who loves Barcelona as much as he does. You can see the Barça logo on his leg and even on his water bottle!” pic.twitter.com/W1g11wJEu3
— Miami Voice (@MiamiFCVoice) January 29, 2025

“I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou. There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does. You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle,” said David Beckham.

Lionel Messi’s family friend sparks Inter Miami superstar’s return to Barcelona

Last week, Messi’s family friend Yanina Latorre also hinted that the former PSG forward will not extend his contract with Inter Miami and will move to Barcelona.

Latorre spoke to La Nacion: “He (Messi) told me that when he finishes here (in Miami), where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona.” He was also asked about Messi’s contract extension at Inter Miami, Latorre replied, “No, my place is there.”

Yanina Latorre: "Messi told me that when he finishes his career in Inter Miami he will return to live in Barcelona..

I said to him, "Aren't you going to stay in Miami?" He said, "No, no, my place is there." 🇦🇷🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/5Pe2FC9VML
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) January 26, 2025

However, Inter Miami’s co-owner Jorge Mas is optimistic and wants to see Messi playing in Miami’s new stadium in 2026. He earlier said, “Leo and I will sit down to discuss the future. I fully expect that in the opening of our new stadium in 2026 and the opening of our 2026 MLS season after a trophy-laden 2025 season, that Leo Messi will be our No. 10.”

Yanina Latorre cleared that Messi would prefer Europe over the United States. Few reports earlier said that Messi will end his career in Argentina where he can play for a popular domestic club. El Nacional recently reported that Messi may join Barcelona on a loan deal. However, returning to Barcelona won’t be easy for Messi due to the current financial issues of the Spanish club.

Lionel Messi is currently on Inter Miami’s ‘Americas Tour’. The Herons will end the preseason against Orlando City in Tampa on Feb. 14. Inter Miami will also take part in FIFA Club World Cup 2026 and Messi would eye one more trophy.

Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Inter Miami

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.