Lionel Messi will not be rejoining Barcelona in a stunning loan transfer, with Barcelona reportedly having other priorities for the January window.

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• Argentine will not be involved in playoffs
• Return to European football speculated on
• La Liga giants have not explored deal

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  There has been talk of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner retracing steps to Camp Nou as current employers Inter Miami will not be involved in the MLS playoffs. With it now impossible for the Florida-based outfit to reach the postseason, Messi will see his debut campaign in the United States come to a close on October 21.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He will have World Cup qualifiers with Argentina to come in November, but a lengthy break will then be hit through to the 2024 season getting underway in America. Messi could have found more competitive action by returning to Europe on a short-term loan.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  reports that no deal will be done with Barcelona as La Liga's champions continue to work on a tight budget. Even if Messi agreed to a low salary, La Liga would calculate his wage to be much higher – as they did with summer signing Joao Felix.

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Barca are also eager to get Vitor Roque registered in January, with there already a deal in place with Athletico Paranaense for the 18-year-old Brazilian forward. No consideration has been given to signing Messi, meaning that he will return to pre-season training with Inter Miami in January – while the David Beckham co-owned outfit could also look to line up a series of friendlies over the winter.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News