Lionel Messi return to Barcelona branded 'impossible' with football icon more likely to end career in MLS by signing contract extension at Inter Miami

Journalist Alex Candal, who was the first to report on Messi’s stunning switch to the United States as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner linked up with Inter Miami, has claimed that the Argentine superstar “can’t leave football without playing at the new Camp Nou”.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!

Stream games now

That has led to fresh talk of Messi retracing steps to Catalunya in late 2025. He is into the final year of his contract in Florida, but has the option for a 12-month extension that would cover a World Cup title defence next summer.

Respected journalist Guillem Balague claims there is no chance of Messi heading back to Barca any time soon, with the expectation in America being that he will trigger a 2026 clause. Balague said in response to the latest Messi gossip: “Couple of things on this story.

“Messi contract ends up at the end of the season. Messi has got no intention to return to Barcelona. I would say it is impossible while Laporta is in charge . Quite likely, Inter Miami will convince him to remain at the club.”

Joan Laporta was Barca president when Messi severed ties with the Liga giants in 2021. He had been promised a new contract, but the finances were never there and the South American ended up moving to Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. His former Bacra and PSG team-mate Neymar is also seeing a second stint with the Blaugrana speculated on.