Is Messi Returning to Barça? The Surprises of His Imminent Departure from Inter Miami

Leo Messi's future looks set to be away from Inter Miami by 2026. The Rosario native has a contract until the end of the year with 'The Herons', and while he has felt very comfortable with his family in Florida, the '10' hopes to continue his legendary career at a club he has always been a fan of since childhood. And, unfortunately for FC Barcelona, 'The Flea' does not seem inclined towards a final dance with the blue and claret jersey. At least not for now.

With the aim of competing in the World Cup with Argentina in 2026, Leo hopes to try his luck in a more competitive league than Major League Soccer (MLS) to be in top physical condition for his last major international tournament. The latest reports point to Newell's Old Boys in Argentina as a possible next stop for the 37-year-old player. The forward took his first steps with the Rosario team before moving to Barcelona at just 13 years old in the summer of 2000.

Leo Messi, willing to follow in Neymar's footsteps thinking about retirement

In this sense, Messi would take a similar path to Neymar Jr. thinking about the twilight of his career. Returning to the club of his dreams, in his hometown to play for the first time in the Argentine league, where Newell's has only managed to win six league championships (the last in 2013) and three national cups in its 113 years of history. Leo, however, hopes to arrive in Rosario in better physical condition than Ney did upon his return to the Paulista team.

Before closing his chapter with Inter Miami, 'The Flea' will seek to win the MLS title that has eluded him so far, in addition to trying to perform well as the host of the Club World Cup. 'The Herons' share Group A with Brazil's Palmeiras, Porto, and Egypt's Al-Ahly. So far, the '10' has scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists in 39 official matches with the pink team, with which he won the Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters' Shield between 2023 and 2024.