Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona in 2023 for one season before going to the MLS: Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi could join Barcelona for the 2023-24 season before moving to the Major League Soccer (MLS), according to journalist Sebastian Quadrelli.
Messi put an end to his 21-year association with Barcelona last summer, joining PSG on a free transfer. The Argentina international put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 giants.
While Messi's arrival was one that excited PSG fans, his time in France has so far been deemed to be underwhelming by many. The 34-year-old has struggled with fitness issues and has missed 12 games for the side already.
The superstar also failed to prevent PSG from crashing out of the UEFA Champions League. Mauricio Pochettino's side lost to Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16 despite taking a two-goal lead.
Thus, there are doubts about Messi's future at the French top-flight club. There have been suggestions that he could return to Barcelona, while the MLS remains an option for him.
According to the aforementioned source, Messi's entourage has ruled out the possibility of rejoining the La Liga giants this year. However, he could return to Camp Nou in 2023 for one season before eventually moving to the MLS.
💥💥 L'OPCIÓ D'UN RETORN DE MESSI AL BARÇA SERIA A L'ESTIU DEL 2023
🗣 "L'entorn de Messi em descarta que pugui arribar aquest estiu del 2022"
🗣 "L'estiu del 2023, Messi podria anar una última temporada al Barça abans d'anar als USA"
Ho explica @SebaQuadrelli a #laporteria https://t.co/UOKkyh54Y6
Inter Miami CF have often been linked with a move for Messi. Former PSG star David Beckham, who co-owns the MLS outfit, is reportedly keen to take the Argentinean to the United States of America.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas recently expressed his desire to see the superstar join the MLS club. He insisted that the American outfit will push to acquire Messi's services. He said:
“Lionel Messi is still one of the best players in the world, his skills have not diminished. I think, and David [Beckham] has a relationship with him, if he does leave PSG, at the time he leaves it, we’d love to see Lionel Messi be a player at Inter Miami and be part of our community."
"Can it happen? Look, we’ll push. I’m an optimist at heart. Could I see that happening? It’s a possibility," he added.
It remains to be seen if Inter Miami can land Messi before he calls it quits on his career. Meanwhile, Barcelona fans will also be looking forward to seeing their hero back at Camp Nou.
Former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi's MLS comments resurface
Lionel Messi continues to be linked with a move to the other side of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, Spanish newspaper AS have dug out the Argentinean's old comments on the MLS. He said:
“I always had the desire of being able to enjoy and have the experience of living in the United States, of living what that league is; what life is like there. I would like [to play in the United States], later; if it happens or not, I don't know.”
@MLSAces Chances we see Lionel Messi in MLS? Extremely high.