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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Argentine will not be involved in playoffs</li><li>Return to European football speculated on</li><li>La Liga giants have not explored deal</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

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

Major League Soccer

Vancouver Whitecaps

Inter Miami CF

LaLiga

Sevilla

Barcelona

There has been talk of the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-barcelona-loan-mls-season-finishes-transfer-rumour-addressed-inter-miami-mls-play-off/blt954cc88b223ca604" target="_blank">seven-time Ballon d’Or winner retracing steps to Camp Nou</a> as current employers Inter Miami will not be involved in the MLS playoffs. With it now <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-every-performance-graded-mls-2023/bltf514e20c2bbcec2b" target="_blank">impossible for the Florida-based outfit to reach the postseason</a>, Messi will see his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/explained-how-lionel-messi-paid-price-inter-miami-exceed-expectations-tata-martino/blt4f78131af6f61ade" target="_blank">debut campaign in the United States</a> come to a close on October 21.

WHAT HAPPENED?

He will have World Cup qualifiers with Argentina to come in November, but <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/explained-why-lionel-messi-biggest-break-career-inter-miami-mls-play-off-dream/blta3780bffaf2282bc" target="_blank">a lengthy break will then be hit</a> 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.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20231008/1002083763/messi-barca-solo-ruido.html " target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a> 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.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barca are also eager to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/vitor-roque-barcelona-spending-35m-brazil-new-ronaldo/blt123dc2e69d191cb7 " target="_blank">get Vitor Roque registered in January</a>, 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.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

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

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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