Inter Miami, FC Barcelona have discussed partnership to sign Messi, French report says

Another day, another Lionel Messi rumor.

The latest came Tuesday night from French sports newspaper L’Equipe, which reported that FC Barcelona and Inter Miami have discussed the possibility of an arrangement in which Miami signs the Argentine superstar and then loans him to Barcelona for six to 18 months.

Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas and David Beckham were not available for comment and there are no named sources substantiating the report.

Messi’s contract with Paris Saint Germain expires June 30 and among the offers he has been exploring are a return to Barca, where he spent most of his career; a $500 million deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal; and a move to Major League Soccer to play for Inter Miami. Messi owns a vacation home in South Florida.

The report says Messi’s first choice is to return for a stint with Barcelona.

“The Catalan giant’s financial situation and its heavy budgetary constraints make signing Messi extremely complicated, but the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has given his former club time to work on it,” L’Equipe reported. “The latter has already finalized substantial savings (wage cuts, end of contract for Jordi Alba, non-extension of (Sergio Busquets) but they are still far from the mark and are examining B plans.”

One of those alternatives is an agreement with Inter Miami.

“This would allow him to continue playing at the highest level in Europe until the Copa America 2024, to come full circle with the club of his life, before going to discover MLS,” said the L’Equipe report.

The Copa America, a prestigious South American tournament, will be held in the United States in 2024 and will include six teams from CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean). It will be a test run for 2026 World Cup U.S. host cities, which include Miami.

Messi’s father, Jorge, said last month that “The decision will never be made until after Lionel finishes the season with PSG. Once the season is over will be the time to analyze what there is and then make a decision.

“There are always rumors and a lot of people use Lionel’s name to gain fame, but there is only one truth and we can assure that there is no deal with anyone. Not verbal, not signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until after the season ends.”