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The Daily Heron: Messi isn’t returning to Barcelona, not even on loan in January

Yes, Messi likely will lead The Daily Heron, your occasional roundup of all things Inter Miami, for as long as he’s a Heron. What a wonderful complaint to have, if anyone is complaining. Here we go:

ByKen Garner|
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been linked to a short-term loan to Barcelona.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been linked to a short-term loan to Barcelona. | Megan Briggs/GettyImages
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"Is he going for fun? Maybe he’s going to visit Barcelona. Other than that, I don’t know anything about it."
Tata Martino, Inter Miami coach

Messi to Barcelona just rumor

The MMU (Messi Media Universe) has been chattering about the possibility of Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi rejoining Barcelona, the club with which he spent most of his career, on loan in January. More sober reports are surfacing to explain why that’s unlikely.

Of course it’s unlikely. The 36-year-old is just finishing a grueling introduction to U.S. soccer, returning from essentially a month off due to injury and still focused on helping Argentina qualify for World Cup 2026. At this point in his career, he needs a three-month break to rest and recuperate more than he needs to keep playing competitive matches.

Even if Messi wants to spend January playing for the Blaugrana, Barcelona still faces the significant financial challenges that led to Messi’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain in the first place.

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi battles for the ball Saturday against FC Cincinnati’s Yuya Kubo.
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi battles for the ball Saturday against FC Cincinnati’s Yuya Kubo. | Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Inter Miami fans got a brief glimpse of Messi at his finest and a long, frustrating stretch wondering when we would see it again. The former was much more fun; for that reason alone I’m hoping the captain takes some time off.

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