Lionel Messi Eyes Barcelona Return, Says Family Friend

Lionel Messi plans to return to Barcelona when his contract with Inter Miami expires, according to a family friend and journalist, Yanina Latorre.

A friend of Lionel Messi has revealed that the Inter Miami star is eyeing a return to his former club, Barcelona. Messi, now 37 years old, made the move to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, following a two-season stint with Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi's illustrious career has seen him achieve unparalleled success, including winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and claiming the Ballon d'Or a record eight times. His 17-year tenure at Barcelona was particularly iconic, with Messi writing his name into the club's history books.

Yanina Latorre, an Argentinian journalist and family friend of Lionel Messi's, has made a revelation about the footballer's future plans. According to Latorre, Messi has expressed his desire to return to Barcelona. “Messi told me that when he is finished in Miami, where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona,” Latorre stated.

The timing of Messi's potential return to Barcelona is uncertain, but his current contract with Inter Miami is set to expire in December 2025. The new MLS season is scheduled to start at the end of February and conclude in November. There have been reports suggesting that Messi may not want to continue with Inter Miami beyond his current contract. Additionally, Inter Miami has proposed a contract renewal with a special option that would allow Messi to play in Europe again in the final months of 2025 and early 2026 to maintain his fitness.

When asked by Latorre if he would extend his contract with Inter Miami, Messi's response was unequivocal. “No, my place is there (at Barcelona),” the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner replied, indicating his desire to return to his former club.