Home/Soccer

via Imago

via Imago

The domestic season for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami is over. Despite a single game left in their campaign, the Herons’ earlier defeat to Cincinnati dashed their dreams of making it to the MLS playoffs. With over four months of inactivity on the horizon, speculations have surfaced about the possibility of Messi making a loan move to another club during the off-season. But Messi has now briefly put all rumors to rest with just one word.

Meanwhile, Messi is rumored to face the fate of David Beckham, who once embarked on a similar loan move. Additionally, there are rumors of a short return to Barcelona. However, that journey may last till six games.

Lionel Messi gives update on his Inter Miami future

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Inter Miami’s domestic season will be finished after their final MLS game against Charlotte on October 22. After that, David Beckham’s soccer franchise will kick off their new season in early February. Interestingly, this four-month hiatus sparked speculation about a potential return to Barcelona for Messi.

While Tata Martino had earlier suggested that Messi’s return to Barcelona might not involve playing, reports regarding his comeback to Spain continue to circulate. However, it seems Messi himself has taken matters into his own hands and cleared the air regarding his future. When asked if he would go on loan to any other club, Messi replied with a single word by saying, “No.

Certainly, this simple yet strong word is enough to tell Messi has no plans whatsoever to leave Fort Lauderdale even on loan. Notably, if the Argentinian had chosen to go on loan, he would have somehow followed in the footsteps of his club’s president and co-owner, David Beckham. The Golden Balls himself went on a loan to AC Milan. In fact, there have been other MLS stars who have made a short loan move in the MLS off-season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

READ MORE: Despite Inter Miami’s Reluctance on Risking Lionel Messi, Argentina Boss’ Message Provides Huge Relief to MLS

Which other MLS players have made short loan moves?

Aside from Beckham, there are a few renowned names that have fancied a short loan move in the MLS off-season. First is the Barcelona legend Thierry Henry. He returned on a loan move to Arsenal in 2012 from MLS side New York Red Bulls. The second name on the list is Tottenham legend Robbie Keane. The striker also went on a short loan trip to Aston Villa in 2012 from LA Galaxy.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Next is American soccer star Landon Donovan, who went on three separate loan stints to Europe, including one with Bayern Munich in 2008 and two with Everton in 2010 and 2012. Last on the list is another American soccer icon Clint Dempsey, who also returned on loan to Fulham from Seattle Sounders in 2014. Surely, we could have seen Messi as well, but the Argentinian has already dished out his thoughts about it.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space