FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has now detailed if he will look to sign Lionel Messi on loan from Inter Miami next month.
The Argentine international has been linked with a return to Catalonia ever since leaving the club in 2021, with Messi rumored with a move to Barcelona after being released by PSG this summer.
And whispers of a transfer back to the La Liga side have continued heading into the January transfer window, with Messi again reportedly the subject of interest from Barcelona.
However, speaking to EFE, Laporta has firmly put the nail in the coffin over whether or not Messi will return to Barcelona, with the president saying: News of all kinds come out, but I believe that this is not even allowed by FIFA.”
Indeed, whilst FIFA would allow the move to happen if Barcelona can comply with La Liga’s transfer and squad rules, it sounds like Messi returning to Catalonia is a move that won’t be happening in 2024.
Moreover, based on what has been said in recent weeks, Messi seems keen to get started with Inter Miami again, with next season set to be a huge one for the Herons.
Lionel Messi rejoining Barcelona would have been crazy
Given that Messi has only played a handful of games for Inter Miami, it would have been quite the shock had the attacker decided to quit MLS for a return back to Barcelona.
However, given everything we know and what’s been said, such a move looks like it will never happen unless Messi’s urge to sign for the Catalan side hits an unlikely fever pitch.
With the 2024 season around the corner, Messi will be key for Inter Miami in what could be a massive year for the Herons, and one that will be memorable for all.