Gary Lineker hasn't ruled out Lionel Messi being back at Barcelona next season despite the footballing icon reportedly agreeing a deal with Inter Miami.
After being released by PSG, the World Cup winner had been strongly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. But former teammate Xavi, now in charge of the La Liga champions, also made no secret of his desire to resign the World Cup winner for the 2023/24 campaign.
And an apparent meeting between father and agent Jorge Messi and Barca President Joan Laporta on Tuesday ramped up rumours that Messi would again make his mark at the club where he scored an incredible 672 goals over a 17-year stint. He previously left against his will in 2021, amid the financial problems that still plague the Catalan club.
But any hopes of a reunion were seemingly scuppered on Wednesday. Messi has reportedly chosen Inter Miami as his next club, meaning he is set to leave Europe for the first time in his career as a senior player.
Renowned Spanish football reporter Guillem Balague also endorsed the speculation on Twitter, writing: "Messi has decided. His destination: Inter Miami Leo Messi se va al Inter Miami."
BBC presenter Lineker, who is a huge fan of the 35-year-old and long hailed him as the greatest player in the history of the game, had an alternative idea though. He responded to Balague by saying: "And then loaned to @FCBarcelona possibly?"
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Whilst Lineker's comments could be construed as a forlorn hope, there could indeed be a method behind the apparent madness of his suggestion. The likes of Frank Lampard and David Beckham played in Europe on loan whilst plying their trade in America, taking advantage of the timing of the MLS off-season.
And it's Beckham who co-owns the Florida-based franchise, who played its official game in America's showcase league back in 2020. The capture of Messi would represent a huge coup amid a turbulent period, which has seen the former England captain sack manager Phil Neville, a former long-time teammate at Manchester United.
Indeed, his choice of his new boss appears geared to getting Messi on board as well. Argentine Tata Martino, who worked with Messi at Barcelona in the 2013/14 season, is close to finalising an agreement to take charge.
