Even the much-anticipated return of Lionel Messi to the pitch following an injury wasn’t sufficient to save Inter Miami’s season. The Herons were eliminated from playoff contention as they lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati at DRV PNK Arena on Saturday. Because of D.C. United and CF Montreal won their matches, only a win would have kept their season finisher trusts alive, yet it was an evening of unfortunate execution in the downpour.
They tried to stir things up multiple times during the match, and Messi’s most obvious opportunity came from a free kick that he skied. While the Herons from Miami will face Charlotte FC two times during the following week before their official season reaches a conclusion, most of their players will be on international duties while those matches occur.
Inter Miami have been eliminated from MLS Cup playoff contention. pic.twitter.com/lQAzfNlafy
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 8, 2023
It is reported that the Argentine forward could make a sensational return to FC Barcelona in the January transfer window as Inter Miami didn’t make it to the Eastern Conference playoffs. That’s according to Spanish outlet AS, which has suggested that the 36-year-old World Cup winner will be free to head back to Spotify Camp Nou in January on loan for a proper send-off at the club where he spent 17 years.
It would not be the first time that a player would use the MLS break to play on loan with European Clubs. In the past, David Beckham and Thierry Henry took advantage of the MLS break, with a transition to Milan for Beckham, and a re-visitation of Arsenal for Henry.
The aftermath of Lionel Messi’s loan deal on the current Barcelona setup
Messi has been keen to return since his departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Before his move to Inter Miami, Messi admitted he had held discussions with Barca, but the club’s financial restrictions eventually made a move too complicated. Many of the current Barcelona players idolize Messi and his presence itself can prove to be a moral boost for players.
🚨 Joan Laporta is working on signing Leo Messi in January. His return to FC Barcelona is a real possibility, reports @elnacionalcat — pending further confirmation. pic.twitter.com/3qGSgDIia6
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) October 7, 2023
Messi could provide valuable insights into this relatively young Barcelona setup. Gavi, Balde, and Yamal didn’t get to play with Messi. Pedri played only a season with him. They would get a lot of valuable advice from the legend and Montjuic would be hyped for every home game. The young forwards such as Joao Felix and Ferran Torres could utilize the insights from Messi and help Barcelona cement their legacy in the La Liga for further years.
On the other hand, a loan deal to Barcelona would be helpful for Lionel Messi as well. As Copa America is scheduled to be in 2024, he could use the MLS break to play for Barcelona and keep himself ready for the international endeavor. Messi’s return to Barcelona would be a match made in heaven for the Culers. Moreover, all soccer fans around the world would be eager to witness the legend writing his final chapter in the Blaugrana Red and Blue.