AFCON 2025
By Chima Azu
World champion Lionel Messi has been linked with a sensational return to Barcelona. The 36-year-old is a Barcelona legend, where he made history as the club’s all time top scorer after scoring a record-breaking 672 goals in 778 games for the Catalan club between 2004 and 2021.
It appeared as though the Barca chapter of his career was finished for good after he chose to join Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year as Barça could not sign him due to financial constraints. However, according to various reports, the Spanish champions could make an offer to sign him on loan from Miami in January when the transfer window reopens.
Miami can no longer qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs, meaning MLS side’s 2023 campaign will end on October 21.
The 2024 MLS season is expected to begin in late February or early March, meaning Barca could sign Messi for around two months without him missing any significant competitive games for Miami. However, this loan possiblity has divided opinion. Many reckon it is a bad idea, while others especially some Culers want to see the Argentine world cup winner for the last time in a Barça shirt.
Will there be a fairytale end to Messi’s Barça story? Only time will tell if this happens.
