Messi never considered leaving Inter Miami on loan despite Barcelona links: “Proud of the club”

Ever since Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona, the rumours of him returning to the Catalan capital have been circling football social media constantly.

The Argentine endured two seasons in Paris, and was very close to a Barcelona return this summer, but the move did not go through eventually, and the player chose a lucrative deal from Inter Miami to finish his career there.

Life in the United States of America has started brilliantly for Leo, as he has scored 11 goals and given five assists across three competitions, winning two trophies in the process, as well, including Miami’s first.

Eventually, though, he joined the club too late, and they were unable to qualify for the MLS playoffs. With several months of no football for Leo, now, rumours of him returning to Barcelona — on loan — made the rounds in football circles.

However, Fabrizio Romano has once again put those links to bed, suggesting that Messi never even considered that as an option, and is happy to stay at Miami despite not qualifying for the playoffs.

“I’m proud of Inter Miami’s results this season. We won the first title in the club’s history, we were close to the playoffs. We keep good indications, but we want to be more competitive next season,” Messi said.

“I’m sure we will keep experiencing incredible moments together with this team, this city, and this club,” he added.

The World Cup winning captain will not rest during the off-season, and will collect his mind-boggling 8th Ballon d’Or next week in France, pipping Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, and Kylian Mbappe to the award.