Explained: Why stunning Lionel Messi loan transfer to Barcelona won’t happen during MLS offseason break at Inter Miami

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.

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.

Mundo Deportivo 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.

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.