Messi could return to Barca on loan in 2025

According to El Nacional, the Argentine superstar could join his former team on loan after the 2025 MLS season ends. Currently, Messi is entering the final year of his contract with Inter Miami, although there is an option to extend it until 2026.

Inter Miami are said to be keen to keep Messi, who is aiming to defend his World Cup title with Argentina in 2026. Playing in the US would help him prepare for the tournament. However, if Messi stays in Miami, he will complete two full seasons in MLS, making him eligible for a loan move during the off-season, which could open the door for him to return to Barcelona.

Messi's return to Barca could follow a similar scenario to that of Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane, who were loaned out from MLS to play in Europe during the off-season. Barca have never hidden their desire to bring Messi back to Camp Nou. While this was once considered unlikely, given Messi's relationship with the club broke down in 2021, a loan return in 2025 is still possible, which could allow Messi to extend his record of 672 goals for the Catalan giants.