Lionel Messi to reunite with another ex-Barcelona team-mate?! Arturo Vidal opens door to Inter Miami transfer

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has already been joined in Florida by the familiar faces of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba since making his way to the United States. There has been talk of Luis Suarez treading a similar path at some stage in the near future.

Before any deal is done there, the prospect of Vidal heading to America has been discussed. The 36-year-old Chile international midfielder, who spent two years at Barcelona between 2018 and 2020, is preparing to sever ties with Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense after leaving Flamengo in July. He has told TNT Argentina of heading to MLS: “I would happily go and play with Messi. With him it's very easy, you just have to pass him the ball. In the United States there are several rules that prevent more older players from going, that's why it hasn't happened before. I would be delighted to play with Leo, Busquets - they play by heart and now Inter Miami plays like that too, with a good coach [Tata Martino].”

Vidal, who has earned 140 caps for his country, has also discussed the possibility of lining up against Messi at the 2024 Copa America – which will take place in America. He added on the all-time great, who has suggested that he will not be defending a global crown with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup: “I see Messi playing for a long time with the Argentine team. He enjoys it and is happy wearing the Argentine shirt.”

Messi is showing no sign of slowing down at club level, with a record-breaking 44th trophy captured within weeks of his arrival at Inter Miami. On the back of inspiring them to Leagues Cup glory, the South American superstar has also helped to book a place in the U.S. Open Cup final and secure a much-needed MLS win over the New York Red Bulls.