16 January 2025
El Nacional newspaper revealed a shocking surprise by revealing the possibility of Argentine star Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona. The Catalan newspaper stated that "renewing his contract with (his current team) Inter Miami is the key to bringing Messi closer to Barcelona."
It explained that by saying: "It is clear that the Argentine star, at the age of 37, still has something to offer in the world of football. With a contract with the American club until the end of this year, he must now reconsider his future."
"Inter Miami wants to renew Messi's contract until December 2026, that is, for another season, which could push the Argentine to retire at the end of the American season, but it would also be an ideal way to reach the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, the United States and Mexico, knowing that the Argentine will be the big name on the poster.
This renewal means opening the way for a possible return to Barcelona." How so? El Nacional explained: "It must be taken into account that if Messi ends up accepting the renewal with Inter Miami, and signing his second contract with the Florida team, it will provide him with an additional advantage. In this way, the clause that exists in MLS clubs will be automatically activated so that any footballer who plays two seasons in the United States can be loaned to another club during the months in which there is no competition."
"The American competition stops between November and March, as the American league starts and ends in the same year, so players can go to another club during this period. Inter Miami could allow Messi to leave during these months so that he can reach June 2026, when the World Cup starts, in full physical fitness and at a competitive pace," the newspaper said.
