Lionel Messi told Premier League transfer is impossible; urged to seek Barcelona return by ex-Liverpool star

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :July 18, 2025 at 6:06 PM

Modified at :July 18, 2025 at 6:06 PM

The Argentine forward’s contract will expire at the end of the year.

Ex-Liverpool star Emile Heskey feels Lionel Messi is unlikely to come to the Premier League and is more suited to join leagues which are less intense, as his Inter Miami contract will expire at the end of the year.

How long the South American great will stay in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami is still a question. His contract has a 12-month extension option that has not yet been triggered yet.

If his contract renewal clause at Inter Miami is not activated, Messi will be a free agent at the end of the year. It has already been reported that he is looking for a new challenge before the 2026 World Cup, where he would strive to assist Argentina in defending their world title.

While clubs worldwide would be delighted to have Messi’s skill and marketing appeal on their books, the Saudi Pro League, where longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr, has also expressed major interest.

Barcelona is the natural fit: Emile Heskey on Lionel Messi’s next club

Lionel Messi Inter Miami MLS — **Messi recently featured in the FIFA Club World Cup for Inter Miami (Courtesy: Getty)**

When asked if Lionel Messi may join English champions Liverpool, former Reds striker Emile Heskey said as follows to BestBettingSites.co.uk:

“I’m sure all of the Premier League sides will be interested in taking Lionel Messi on loan from Inter Miami. The explosion in shirt sales and marketing would be incredible. We never saw Inter Miami shirts outside of Miami before he arrived, now they’re everywhere. He has a crazy impact.”

“In terms of football, the only ones who could accommodate him are the top four, but none of them will play a style that will allow him to take it easy throughout a game. He doesn’t have that intensity anymore.”

“If he wants to go back then probably France would suit him, because I think Italy is too intense. But I think Spain, and Barcelona, is the natural fit. He can’t go anywhere else, can he?”

As they get ready to return home to a rebuilt Camp Nou, Barcelona have always left the door open for Messi to return to Catalunya. However, the 38-year-old veteran hasn’t been giving anything away about his future ambitions.

Will Lionel Messi return to Barcelona soon?

It’s unlikely that he will return to his former club. But nothing is confirmed as of right now.

When does Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract expire?

Messi’s contract will come to an end at the year.

How many trophies has Lionel Messi won with Inter Miami?

Messi has 2 trophies to his credit in Inter Miami: MLS Supporters’ Shield and League Cup.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.