Following Inter Miami’s failure to make it to the MLS playoffs, there has been some talk about Barcelona considering the possibility of signing Lionel Messi on loan in January.
With no playoffs, Messi and Inter Miami will not be playing any official games between the end of October and the start of next season in February 2024.
Former players like David Beckham and Thierry Henry had previously utilised similar situations to return to Europe on short loan spells and it has been suggested that Barça could do something of that kind with Messi.
Barcelona not thinking about Messi return
However, Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo is reporting that despite the chatter, Barcelona are not even thinking about re-signing Lionel Messi on loan in the January transfer window.
The Blaugrana are working on a tight budget and under tight restrictions as far as the Financial Fair Play situation is concerned.
As such, there is simply no room for someone like Messi to be on the books at this point as even if he accepts a low salary, La Liga would calculate his wages much higher, as has been done with Joao Felix this season.
Other priority
The report also highlights that Barça have something else as their priority at this moment for January which is the registration of Vitor Roque.
The 18-year-old’s incorporation into the squad and registration with La Liga are set to be the main focus for the Catalan giants in the winter. And as such, there is nothing to the Messi return rumours.
It is also stated that there has been no consideration given to the idea by Messi or Inter Miami either.
Despite there being a big break in his calendar over the next four months, the 36-year-old will still be playing for Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers and will have to return to pre-season with Inter Miami in January.
In between, there is a possibility of the MLS club playing some friendlies, while he will also have a vacation. As such, there does not seem to be any steam to the possibility of a Barcelona return.
