According to reports in Spain, Lionel Messi has moved one step closer towards his emotional transfer back to Barcelona.
When news broke in 2021 that Lionel Messi would leave Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain, the whole world was sent into a state of shock. Naturally, the GOAT athlete carries with him a worldwide following, so fans were eager to see how he would fare after leaving his boyhood team Barca.
Winning everything there is to win at Barcelona, this success was not repeated at PSG. Of course, Messi did pick up two Ligue 1 medals but this is expected at PSG. The real prize was the Champions League, which Messi could not bring to Paris.
Nevertheless, Messi is a figure of worship in the United States now, particularly in a certain coastal city of Florida. Representing the Herons, Messi has changed the trajectory of Inter Miami forever.
Lionel Messi linked with unexpected transfer back to Barcelona
According to a report from Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Lionel Messi has moved one step closer to signing a new contract with Inter Miami. It is believed this new contract would be the key to Messi's Barcelona homecoming, albeit only on loan.
If any Major League Soccer player is within their second season of play, they are able to be loaned out during the offseason. So, Barcelona might hold hopes that Messi renews his contract, paving the way for him to return to Barcelona.
Barcelona fans might not like to know that if this news comes true and Messi does sign a contract extension, then he is likely to retire in the United States.
This is not the retirement Barca fans would have envisioned during Messi's incredible years of play for the Catalan team. Nevertheless, it is the way it's worked out.
Of course, the aim is to keep Lionel Messi fit and at the top of his game ahead of the next World Cup. In 2026, the most famous competition in all of sports is hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, so Messi will naturally be front and center.
Since joining the Herons, Messi has won the Supporters' Shield (awarded to the team with the best regular season record in Major League Soccer) and the Leagues Cup (a relatively new soccer competition in which teams from MLS and Liga MX compete).
This definitely shouldn't be sniffed at but given his incredibly high standards, he will be eager to bow out in a more illustrious manner. Therefore, the contract extension serves not only Barca, but also Inter Miami.
There is also the case of Messi aiming to retain the World Cup for his beloved Argentina. So, plenty to look forward to, Messi fans.