Lionel Messi will remain with Inter Miami for the foreseeable future.
Despite rumors of a shock return to Barcelona on loan, those pipe dreams seem all but dead.
Speaking with TYC Sports after Argentina’s World Cup qualifying win over Peru, Messi brushed off the rumors and doubled down on his commitment to staying at Inter Miami: “The truth is, it’s a shame, we were close [to making the post-season.] I missed the last games, we had several injuries. “ The month of July was very hard for us, we played every three days, we traveled but we won an important tournament for the club, for what’s coming next year.”
Miami failed to make the playoffs with just two games left in the regular season. Though the Herons managed to win their first trophy in club history with the Leagues Cup, that momentum all but fizzled as the South Florida team struggled to capitalize on their good form.
Messi and the Herons will now pivot to 2024 as they look to add more silverware to their cabinet.
Getting ready for 2024 with Inter Miami
For the nostalgia factor, Messi returning to the club where he made his name would’ve been a sight to see. However, it appears he’s content with ending that chapter of his life.
Messi loves Barcelona.
It was evident, by the tears in his eyes, when he left the club in 2021. But, as the Argentine grows into his new life in Miami, he seems pleased with the choice he made not to return to the team in the summer.
In his first public media press conference for the club, Messi spoke about how happy he is to be in Miami, and how he and his family made the correct decision: “Today I can tell you that I am very happy with the decision we made.”
Additionally, Messi going on a three-month loan deal before the start of the next Major League Soccer season would only add to his workload.
For the latter part of 2023, the 36-year-old struggled with a hamstring injury. He only recently returned to full fitness, playing 90 minutes in Argentina’s 2-0 victory against Peru. Ultimately, it would be in Messi and Inter Miami’s best interest to keep the World Cup winner in South Florida over the off-season.