Following the end of Inter Miami’s playoff hopes, there’s rife debate of what Lionel Messi could do during the coming 4-month break. Messi came off the bench to play 35 minutes in Miami’s 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati, which effectively ended the club’s playoff hopes this season. But as per recent reports, Inter Miami is aiming for a tour of China and Japan to play friendlies in November and December.
Messi has scored 11 goals and bagged 5 assists in 13 games since joining Miami. But with the new MLS season only starting after February 2024, whether he will partake in the club’s international friendlies in Asia or secure a loan move away from the club until then remains unknown. Shortly after this uncertainty surrounding Messi, an ESPN FC pundit has made a hilarious claim.
ESPN FC pundit says Messi should disguise himself and travel
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Speaking on the ESPN FC podcast, when asked about what Messi should do after Inter Miami’s playoff failure, ex-France World Cup winner Frank LeBoeuf said, “You know, you know what, wear a wig, make yourself not recognizable and travel the world!” “You know enjoy your time with your family, do something else but football come on!”
While these comments are surely amusing, Messi has yet to decide on where he will play his soccer in the next 4 months. There’s also speculation that he could emulate the likes of Thierry Henry and even Inter Miami owner David Beckham in getting a loan move.
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Could Lionel Messi emulate David Beckham and Thierry Henry and go out on loan?
Inter Miami owner David Beckham secured a loan move to AC Milan during his playing days with LA Galaxy when they too didn’t qualify for the MLS playoffs. While France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry went on a two-month loan to the Emirates to play for the Gunners under Arsene Wenger while he was playing for the NY Red Bulls, after a similar playoff situation.
There have also been rumors of Messi going back on loan to his beloved Barcelona. At the moment, however, the Argentine World Cup winner is with the Argentina squad and is preparing for La Albiceleste’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Messi could eventually decide to go out on loan, travel to Asia with Miami, or perhaps take LeBoeuf’s advice, and travel the world anonymously with his family. One simply can’t rule that out!
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