Lionel Messi will stay at Inter Miami this off-season.
According to a report by Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Messi will remain in Miami this off-season to get ready for the 2024 Major League Soccer season.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano had this to say about the rumors of a potential loan deal: “Despite rumours about a loan to Barcelona, and also the possibility about Saudi clubs, the reality is completely different. Messi, his father, and his camp, are not discussing with any club about a loan deal.”
Spanish football journalist, Guillem Balague, echoed a similar statement on X: “Messi will have around one-month holiday, like other footballers. So forget any move to Saudi or similar.”
Before joining Inter Miami, Messi spoke about wanting to return to Barcelona this summer as a free agent. Due to the Spanish club’s financial restraints, a deal was unable to materialize.
First Inter Miami off-season for Messi
This will be Messi’s first off-season with Inter Miami.
The 36-year-old signed with the club in July and was thrown right into action. His debut match for the Herons was a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. In the dying seconds of the game, Messi made his mark, scoring the match-winning goal with one of his trademark free kicks.
Inter Miami went on to subsequently win the tournament, with Messi leading the way, beating Nashville SC in the final.
Unfortunately, the end of 2023 didn’t go to plan for Messi and Miami. The Herons failed to make the playoffs, leaving the South Florida team with a few months to spare before the 2024 season.
But, the amount of time between the end of one season and the next has been exaggerated. Inter Miami will end their year on October 21st, away at Charlotte FC.
After that, the Herons will have a few weeks off before they head to Asia for two friendlies. Additionally, Messi will also get playing time with the Argentina national team during the November FIFA international window.
Between the friendlies and time with Argentina, Messi will only have a month off before next year.