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:

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
2 of 3
"This is the right club for me because of its ambition to win everything. We have such a great foundation with the front office, support staff, great teammates and coaches, and everything else. Everything feels like it’s falling into place and I’m happy to be part of it."
Kamal Miller, Inter Miami defender

Inter Miami signs Miller to 3-year extension

Successful soccer depends on a solid “spine,” strong players manning the positions at the center of each third of the pitch: goalkeeper, center backs, defensive midfielder, playmaking midfielder, and striker. Last week, Inter Miami signed defender Kamal Miller, a Canadian international who joined the team in a trade earlier this year, to a three-year extension through 2026, with an option for 2027.

Inter Miami defender Kamal Miller slide tackles Toronto forward Federico Bernardeschi in a match earlier this season.
Inter Miami defender Kamal Miller slide tackles Toronto forward Federico Bernardeschi in a match earlier this season. | Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Miller, 26, is entering the prime of his career and will anchor the back line for the foreseeable future. I’m glad to see soccer director Chris Henderson taking steps to lock-up talented young players as well as globally known veterans.