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Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi looks on during the first half against Atlanta United. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
With the 2026 World Cup in mind, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi could be loaned back to former club Barcelona in a sensational move.
The Argentine will celebrate his 39th birthday during a tournament that could be expected to herald his retirement from the game, so one last hurray at the club that has given him so much will surely beckon.
National keep in mind that Messi is expected to sign a new contract with Inter soon, and if he does, MLS rules dictate that in the off-season – November to March – players can be loaned out elsewhere.
Lionel Messi could get another chance to play for Barcelona
It is clear that Messi needs to arrive at the World Cup in peak physical condition, so a return to Barcelona makes sense on all levels.
Given that he couldn’t inspire his side to win the MLS Cup, which it did Tata Martino relieved of dutyMessi will almost certainly be under the strictest scrutiny in the upcoming campaign.
We should not forget that either Inter Miami will participate in the Club World Cup this summer.
A new era of Messi and Ronaldo is coming to Barcelona and Real!
The physical toll on the Argentinian captain’s body by the start of the World Cup is likely to be high.
A loan at Barcelona would not mean a rest for Lionel Messi
We may even see a carefully managed routine over the next 12 to 18 months so he can give his all to Inter and Argentina, and if the stars align, Barcelona.
If he were to return to the Camp Nou, it could not be just a symbolic gesture as he would replace another in the team who could continue his upward trajectory under Hansi Flick until then.
Seeing Messi back in the colors of the blaugrana would certainly be the wish of all Barca fans, but not at the cost of potentially derailing their hopes of the Champions League and the Spanish first division title next season.
