Lionel Messi Says He Won’t Leave Inter Miami on Winter Loan Amid Barcelona Rumors

The Argentina star has been linked with a return move to Barcelona on loan during the MLS offseason.

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has put rumors of a sensational return to Barcelona to rest—for now, at least.

On Tuesday, the Argentina star refuted claims that he was considering a loan move during the MLS offseason this winter after Inter Miami failed to make the playoffs with reports linking him with Barcelona and several Saudi Arabian clubs. 

“No. It’s a shame [we didn't qualify],” Messi said, per ESPN. “We came very close. I missed the last few games, we had several injuries. The month of July was very hard for us, we played every three days, we traveled. But we won a tournament, which is important for the club and for what is coming next year. 

“I will train, I will play our upcoming match [against Charlotte FC] and I will try to get here [to the national team] in the best possible way for November. After that, I will enjoy the holidays in Argentina. It’s the first time that I am going to have more days off in December, with the holidays, with peace of mind, with my people. In January, I will return again to do preseason. Start from scratch and prepare as best as possible as always.”

Messi may feature for Inter Miami in its MLS season finale on Saturday against Charlotte.  :: Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports

After making his Inter Miami debut in July, Messi scored 11 goals in 13 games while leading the club to a Leagues Cup title. But injury forced the forward to miss four matches for the club over the last month. 

In Argentina’s 2–0 World Cup qualifying win over Peru on Tuesday, Messi scored both goals for the defending world champions in his first start for club or country in a month. The 36-year-old will not feature in Inter Miami’s match with Charlotte on Wednesday as he returns from international duty, but is in contention to play for the club’s season finale against Charlotte on Saturday.