Inter Miami boss Tata Martino gives a hint on Lionel Messi’s future after Inter Miami. He talks about the potential return of the Argentine to Barcelona. Messi’s Inter Miami lost to Cincinnati in MLS and it almost knocked them out of the playoffs race. They now have two more games remaining and they are still in the bottom two.
Following his side’s defeat to the table toppers at home, Martino addressed rumours of Messi’s loan move to Barcelona in winter. Miami has been out of the playoff race and they will not appear in the postseason. It means, Messi will not play any game untill the new season starts. MSL’s new season for 2024 will kick off in February.
Lionel Messi gets a long off-season and he can make the right use of this break. The Argentine made a summer move from PSG to Inter Miami and signed a two-and-a-half-year deal. He showed great performance in his debut season, scoring 12 goals in 13 matches across all competitions. He didn’t lose a single game when he appeared for Miami except for the loss this week.
Cincinnati defeated Miami and secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference and a first-round bye. They were beaten by Messi’s Miami in the US Open Cup semifinal but managed to take revenge by eliminating Inter Miami from the postseason. Messi will now leave for Argentina for the international break where his side will take part in 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.
Miami’s remaining league matches will be against Charlotte on October 18 and 21. They will play against the same side in home and away fixtures. After the season ends, Messi will be in action for World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. Both games are tough and Argentina wants Messi to be fit.
Martino spoke about Messi’s loan rumours and said, “Is he going for fun? Maybe he’s going to visit Barcelona. Other than that, I don’t know anything else about it.” The possibility is high considering the break time after the main season. Fans are aiming for a potential loan move to Barcelona. The club would also look to give their former legend a last run. Inter Miami’s season will end on October 21. He can only play international games till February.
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