Barcelona's Lionel Messi reunion snubbed! Why Inter Miami have turned down US friendly against the Blaugrana - explained

Messi joined the MLS side after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and has thrived in Florida, scoring 11 goals in 14 matches while also guiding them to the Leagues Cup trophy. However, he had to bid a teary-eyed farewell to his boyhood club back in 2021 as the Blaugranas insisted that they did not have the finances to afford a deal for the forward. Although in 2023, they did make attempts to bring him back to Camp Nou but negotiations fell through and Messi later revealed that crucial aspects of the deal were missing.

The latest blow came when Inter Miami rejected Barcelona's proposal for a friendly due to their packed schedule, particularly with Leagues Cup commitments, according to Mundo Deportivo.

However, the Argentine could have been rested for the fixture as it was being scheduled for shortly after the Copa America, where the 36-year-old will look to defend the title.

Barcelona plans to return to the United States this year for their pre-season preparations in the summer. Although the tour dates are yet to be decided, it has been reported that they might set up camps in Orlando and New York after spending time in Los Angeles, Dallas and Las Vegas in 2023.

While Barcelona are gearing up for their Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid on Sunday, Messi is still on a break from football. However, he has been sweating it out in the gym to keep himself fit before the MLS season kicks off in February.