EXCLUSIVE: Lionel Messi's chances of returning to Europe shot down by close friend Sergio Aguero as ex-Man City star insists Inter Miami talisman has 'earned the right' to choose when he retires

Messi ended his storied European club career when he left Paris Saint-Germain to join Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. Barcelona fans had held out hope that he would eventually return to the Camp Nou as he never got to properly say goodbye to supporters, with his shock departure coming after a season in which every game in Spain was played behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions.

Messi left PSG six months after achieving his life-long goal of leading Argentina to World Cup glory. That triumph saw him win the Ballon d'Or for a record-extending eighth time. He left Europe having won 10 La Liga titles, two Ligue 1 crowns and four Champions Leagues.

"I don't think Messi has any need to be back (in Europe), having already played and won many Champions Leagues," Aguero told GOAL via Stake.com. "Leo has earned the right to be allowed to pick where and how he wants to play, and for how long."

Messi and Aguero won the gold medal with Argentina at the 2008 Olympic Games and then, after years of painful defeats, won the Copa America together in 2021. Aguero was forced to retire from football in 2021 due to a heart problem and could not take part in the World Cup but he was still a huge part of the celebrations when Argentina lifted the trophy in Qatar, carrying Messi on his shoulders. The pair never got to play together at club level as Messi left Barca just before Aguero moved to the Blaugrana.

Messi made a triumphant return to action for Inter Miami two months after his ankle injury in the Copa America final, scoring twice in an MLS win over Philadelphia Union. The Herons next game is against Atlanta United on Wednesday.