Lionel Messi's former Barcelona teammate keen on PL move despite interest from Inter Miami - Reports
Lionel Messi's former Barcelona teammate Sergi Roberto is reportedly keen on moving to a Premier League club despite Inter Miami's interest, per Mundo Deportivo. The Spaniard left Barcelona after representing the senior team for 14 years this summer.
Roberto and Lionel Messi played together at Barcelona for 11 years, between 2010 and 2021, when they shared the pitch 245 times. The duo recorded four joint-goal participations until the Argentine left the club as a free agent to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021.
Messi's current club Inter Miami were reportedly interested in signing Roberto earlier in this transfer window. Given the Spaniard's experience and versatility, he could have been a great signing for the club. However, the player supposedly prefers to remain in Europe and prioritizes a move to the Premier League.
After Lionel Messi joined the Herons in the summer of 2023, several of his former Barcelona teammates followed him to the United States. They are Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez. Roberto joining his former teammates would've further strengthened the club, who are competing to win the MLS Cup this season.
Sergi Roberto is yet to announce his next destination amid reported interest from some Saudi Pro League clubs.
Lionel Messi sent message to former Barcelona teammate Sergi Roberto after his departure from the Blaugrana
On August 12, Lionel Messi sent a message to his former Barca teammate Sergi Robert on Instagram after the defender announced his departure from his boyhood club.
Taking to his Instagram story, Messi shared an image of them in the Blaugrana kit together and wrote:
"All the luck in your new stage!!. Wish you the best, Sergi Roberto!"
Roberto promptly shared Messi's story and replied to him via Instagram, where he wrote (translated via x):
“Thank you very much Messi! It has been a dream to share so many years with you, the best player ever! I will never forget and be forever grateful.”
It has been a while since the 32-year-old has no longer been a guaranteed starter for the Catalan giants. Although rumors of the club offering Roberto a new contract came up, the arrival of new coach Hansi Flick reportedly led the club to let him go.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has not been on the pitch since July 2024 after he picked up a crucial ankle injury in the 2024 Copa America final. It remains to be seen when the Argentine returns to the pitch with his club side.
In Lionel Messi's absence, Inter Miami bowed out of the Leagues Cup this week after a 3-2 defeat to Columbus in the Round of 16. La Pulga had notably led them to win their first trophy since inception after a victory in the 2023 Leagues Cup final.