"Always had the same idea" - Fabrizio Romano makes bold claim on Lionel Messi's future amid rumors about Barcelona loan move
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided a clarification regarding Lionel Messi's future amid rumors linking him with a loan move to Barcelona. He said that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has no intentions of joining the Catalan giants or any other club on loan during the MLS off-season.
Lionel Messi was recently linked with a return to Barcelona on a loan deal after Inter Miami failed to make it into the MLS playoffs earlier this month. Rumors suggested that the Argentine would spend the next couple of months in Europe before the new MLS season kicks off.
However, Romano has poured cold water on those reports. The transfer guru insists that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner won't leave Inter Miami anytime soon.
"He’s not going to any club on loan," Romano said on his official YouTube channel. "Many people were hoping for Messi to do something like David Beckham or Thierry Henry to return to Europe before the new MLS season begins in February."
“Leo Messi, from what I’m told, always had the same idea: stay at Inter Miami and don’t go on loan to Barcelona or any other club."
"And now what happens? He’s going to play for Argentina in November then in December he’ll relax a bit, rest a bit. First week in January, Messi will be back for pre-season and then in February, he’ll be back on the pitch with Inter Miami," Romano added.
Romano also expects Lionel Messi to attend the 2023 Ballon d'Or gala to be held in France on October 30. According to reports, the Argentine will go home with the accolade following his sensational outing in the FIFA World Cup last year.
“And remember, in one week’s time there’s the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris and Leo Messi will be there. We know the feeling around him and this Ballon d’Or,” Romano added.
Lionel Messi could still wear Barcelona's jersey for the second time
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has always expressed his desire to give Lionel Messi a proper farewell. The club legend left the Blaugrana in an unceremonious manner back in the summer of 2021.
Speaking about the same earlier this month, Barca's sporting director Deco hinted that a farewell game could be held for the World Cup winner at the new Spotify Camp Nou when the project is completed.
“I think a farewell game, but maybe in the new stadium when it’s ready," he told Brazilian publication Lance!
It goes without saying that Messi is Barca's greatest player ever, bagging 672 goals and 303 assists for the Catalan giants across all competitions and helping them claim a staggering 35 trophies during his time at the club.