Lionel Messi nearing Barcelona return following Inter Miami's MLS play-off exit
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami are out of the MLS play-off
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Following their failure to advance to the MLS playoffs, rumours have stated that Lionel Messi 'may return to Barcelona on loan from Inter Miami'.
Inter Miami's season came to an end earlier this month after their 1-0 loss to Cincinnati made it clear they would not advance to the next round of the tournament.
Messi's injury, which had first appeared to be changing matters around at the struggling team before he missed five games with a leg issue, had not helped the MLS team's situation.
Despite playing far better in the League Cup than in other tournaments, his debut season in America saw him score 11 goals in 13 appearances.
The 36-year-old's shock loan move might be made possible by Miami's dismal season, according to claims in Sport, who suggest they 'could be willing' to allow him to make the move to Barcelona in January.
At the Nou Camp, Messi established himself as one of the greatest players in football history by collecting nine league championships, seven Copa del Reys, four Champions Leagues, and seven Ballon d'Or awards.
Additionally, he contributed 673 goals to Barcelona, including an astounding 72 in the 2011–12 campaign.
Before he left for America, Barca was eager to sign him, but current financial issues have made it difficult for them to make transfers.
If he were to finalise the transfer, Messi wouldn't become the initial MLS player to go back to Europe on loan.
When competing for the New York Red Bulls, Thierry Henry came to Arsenal on loan and produced a renowned injury-time winner against Sunderland.
Similar to David Beckham, LA Galaxy loaned David Beckham to AC Milan in 2009 and 2010.