Lionel Messi, the captain of Inter Miami, has been instrumental in the club’s recent success. However, due to injury, the Argentine missed a handful of matches, subsequently reducing the club’s chances of making it to the MLS playoffs.
Despite Lionel Messi’s return from injury, Inter Miami failed to clinch an MLS playoff berth as their season concluded. As a result, the MLS side will be out of action for the next few months. Meanwhile, rumors of Messi’s loan spell surfaced. However, now it seems that these possibilities have been turned down by the player himself.
Lionel Messi shuts down playing on loan rumors
Argentine captain Lionel Messi might be returning to Miami after completing his international duty for Argentina in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers for the last MLS fixture. In the last outing, Messi scored two spectacular goals against Peru on Tuesday, helping Argentina retain the top spot on the table and extending their unbeaten streak in the campaign.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner officially ended the speculations of a winter loan move during the MLS postseason break.
Messi denied the report when asked whether he is considering a loan stint during the winter off-season. After his team failed to secure a playoff qualification, the World Cup winner’s response was a ‘No’ on Tuesday.
Messi said, “It’s a shame we didn’t qualify. We came very close. I missed the last few games, we had several injuries. The month of July was very hard for us, we played every three days, and we traveled. But we won a tournament, which is important for the club and for what is coming next year,” in his response.
“I will train, I will play our upcoming match and I will try to get here [to the national team] in the best possible way for November. After that, I will enjoy the holidays in Argentina. In January, I will return again to do preseason. Start from scratch and prepare as best as possible as always.” he added further to his response.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami announced their tour to China for two games in early November.
What was the rumor about Lionel Messi playing for another club on loan?
Since the MLS league season has already concluded for Messi’s side due to their failure to qualify for the playoffs, reports emerged that the World Cup winner was exploring loan options to maintain his fitness.
Rumors and speculations had previously swirled about Messi potentially moving to the Saudi Pro League or making a return to his former club, FC Barcelona, during the upcoming winter transfer window.
However, he cleared the air, emphasizing that his focus remains on Argentina’s World Cup qualification and Inter Miami’s pre-season preparations for a fresh start next season.
