With Inter Miami failing to qualify for the MLS playoffs, Lionel Messi is without club football for the rest of 2023, until February of 2024. And this has left fans wondering whether the Argentine will ask for a loan spell like legends David Beckham or Thierry Henry did when they were playing in the MLS.
Barcelona has been rumoured as a potential destination for the Argentine, since he never truly got to say goodbye to the fans in person. But, he has claimed that he wants to be away from the spotlight of European football which casts doubt on any hopes of a return to Europe. There have also been reports of Saudi Arabia being interested in signing the player on a short-term deal.
Will Lionel Messi return to Europe on a loan spell?
The regular MLS season ends on October 21, with playoffs beginning shortly after and running until the final on December 9. Beckham left to join AC Milan twice between January to June of 2009 & 2010.
On the other hand, Thierry Henry made a brief return to Arsenal from the New York Red Bulls but his loan was only one month long.
Inter Miami will not play again until February, and Lionel Messi’s competitive spirit has given rise to a lot of rumours about his future. The Argentine could surely surprise everybody with a decision to stay exactly where he is and enjoy time off from football. Or, he could make a return to Europe and pen one more chapter in his unparalleled career.
