10 best signings of the 2023-24 WSL season - ranked

One hand on the trophy! Haaland & Ortega break Arsenal hearts

Never in doubt: Palmer is Chelsea's Player of the Season

Klopp's most memorable quotes as Liverpool boss

BVB beware - Vini & Bellingham aren't slowing down yet!

Kane and fellow Bayern stars pushing for Tuchel to stay

Wrexham-linked Vardy expected to sign new Leicester deal

Arsenal's decision to part ways with Miedema questioned by ex-boss

'A totally perfect evening!' - Spurs fans react to City loss

Transfers LIVE: Man Utd plot swoop for Villa star Watkins

21 best signings of the Premier League season - ranked

📽️ | Zidane shows off unreal skills in Bordeaux anniversary game

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Argentine icon left Camp Nou in 2021</li><li>Now chasing American dream in Florida</li><li>Beckham &amp; Henry returned to Europe on loan</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>

Will Lionel Messi join Barcelona on loan when MLS season finishes? Transfer rumour addressed as Inter Miami sweat on play-off spot

LaLiga

Almeria

Barcelona

Major League Soccer

Inter Miami CF

DC United

The Argentine superstar walked away from Camp Nou back in the summer of 2021 when a contract that Barca could not afford to extend came to a close. Messi headed for Paris Saint-Germain at that stage and spent two years in France before hitting free agency once more.

WHAT HAPPENED?

He <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/lionel-messi-love-return-barcelona-reunion-argentine-father-joan-laporta-talks/blted3e0be7ba7ad4b7 " target="_blank">discussed a possible return to Barca</a> with the club, but opted to take on an entirely new challenge when <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/secret-meetings-10-year-project-how-david-beckham-signed-lionel-messi-inter-miami-co-owner/bltcc28a521e2bdff22 " target="_blank">heading to the United States to link up with Inter Miami</a>. He has inspired them to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/44-trophies-lionel-messi-all-time-record-very-good-hands-inter-miami-tata-martino-historic-leagues-cup/blt4c0a84c28d5bf241 " target="_blank">Leagues Cup glory</a>, but an unfortunate injury has come at the worst possible time and Messi <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/will-lionel-messi-play-again-this-season-inter-miami-tata-martino-injury-update-mls-play-offs/blt6fa6902208c20735" target="_blank">may not figure in the 2023 MLS play-offs</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

His season would come to a close on October 21 if that is the case, leaving him with <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 through to the 2024 American season</a> getting underway in February. It has been suggested that Messi could – <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/david-beckham-explains-why-inter-miami-signed-lionel-messi-transfer-million-messages/blt2b5678fd0dc2cb12 " target="_blank">like David Beckham</a>, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane before him – return to Europe on loan during the U.S. off season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has promised to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-barcelona-return-promise-inter-miami-jorge-mas-true-feelings-camp-nou-departure/blt60efa7197b7a5210" target="_blank">give Messi an opportunity to say his goodbyes at Barcelona</a> in a more fitting way, but <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/llegar-messi-cedido-barca-enero-92980115 " target="_blank">SPORT</a> claims no talks have taken place regarding a sensational loan switch.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Will Lionel Messi join Barcelona on loan when MLS season finishes? Transfer rumour addressed as Inter Miami sweat on play-off spot | Goal.com

Lionel Messi has been linked with a stunning return to Barcelona when the MLS season comes to a close, with a loan transfer being speculated on.

Editors' Picks