Lionel Messi Expresses Desire to Return to Barcelona After Contract Ends with Miami
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has expressed his intention to return to Barcelona after his contract with Inter Miami ends in 2025. Messi's family friend, Yanina Latorre, recently revealed in an interview that Messi clearly stated, without discussing his future in Miami, "I am happy here, but when it's over, I will return to Barcelona."
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and helped the club win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield last year. However, his contract with Miami runs until 2025, with reports suggesting an option to extend it until 2026.
Messi had started his career with Barcelona's youth team and later with the senior team, playing for the club for 21 years before being forced to join PSG in 2021, when Barcelona could not renew his contract due to financial issues. After winning Ligue 1 twice at PSG from 2021 to 2023, Messi moved to Miami.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has expressed his desire to discuss the future with Messi and hopes to see him as the club's No. 10 during the opening of their new stadium in 2026 and the beginning of the 2026 MLS season.
Barcelona is currently dealing with financial issues, which led to problems registering new players like Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. Although these issues have been resolved, Messi’s potential return to Barcelona could now be even more complicated.
