EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona still working on Lionel Messi loan deal despite Inter Miami comments

Updated: 7 Aug 2023 06:17 BST
4 min read

Barcelona are still trying extremely hard to re-sign Lionel Messi on loan when the MLS season ends later this year, FootballTransfers understands.

Sources have told us that Barcelona are working on a deal behind-the-scenes and believe that Messi would be interested in moving to Camp Nou on loan in order to stay fit during the MLS off-season.

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Messi, 36, had the chance to re-join the Blaugrana this summer, when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain ended, but he decided to join Inter Miami instead, rejecting interest from the Saudi Pro League in the process too.

MORE: Lionel Messi at Inter Miami: Goals, assists, results & fixtures in 2023

The 2022 World Cup winner has taken the MLS by storm since arriving this summer, with five goals and one assist in just three appearances for his new club.

However, he has already been linked with a return to Barcelona. These reports have previously been rubbished by Inter Miami co-owner Jose Mas, who has stated: “He’s not going to go on loan there [Barcelona]. That’s not going to happen.”

But, we understand that Barcelona are currently working on a deal and are confident that an agreement will be reached with Messi. The Camp Nou side are working on the basis that Messi will want to stay fit during the MLS winter break.

MORE: How Lionel Messi has performed in EVERY debut

The regular MLS season ends in October, before the Play-Offs take place until the start of December. There is then a two month break before the 2024 season kicks off.

We have also been told that Barcelona want to spend as little as possible on a loan fee for Messi due to financial concerns. An exact fee has not been specified.

© ProShots - Barcelona would like to sign Lionel Messi on loan

Neymar set for a Barcelona return too?

Furthermore, Neymar is currently engaged in talks with Barcelona over a possible return to Camp Nou, we understand.

The Brazilian is keen on the move, but Barcelona are unconvinced by the prospect of re-signing Neymar from PSG.

In addition, Barca president Joan Laporta wants director of football Mateu Alemany to do the groundwork as they look at adding Neymar to their first-team squad, but the Blaugrana are unsure whether they would like to actively pursue a deal.