Inter Miami reject chance for Lionel Messi reunion with Barcelona as reported reason comes to light 

Inter Miami ace Lionel Messi's potential reunion with Barcelona doesn't appear to be happening anymore. The Herons have reportedly rejected the Blaugrana's request for a friendly in the summer of 2024, according to Mundo Deportivo (via GOAL).

The Argentine icon left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2023, opting to sign for MLS club Inter Miami as a free agent over his former club Barcelona.

He made an instant impact, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in seven appearances, helping the Herons win the Leagues Cup - the first trophy in the club's history.

Barcelona are reportedly planning on returning to the United States in the summer of 2024 for their pre-season preparations. The La Liga giants reportedly issued a proposal to Inter Miami to play out a friendly. This would have also allowed Lionel Messi to encounter his boyhood club on the pitch for the first time.

However, Inter Miami have reportedly rejected this request due to their busy schedule. They will be aiming to retain their Leagues Cup title during the same period.

Barring any friendlies, Inter Miami will next be in action against Real Salt Lake on February 21, after their off-season break.

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"I tried to return, and it did not happen" - When Lionel Messi revealed returning to Barcelona was his first option before Inter Miami move

Lionel Messi recently confirmed that returning to Barcelona was his first choice, before his transfer to Inter Miami last summer.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner came up through the ranks of La Masia, before making his senior debut in 2004. Messi established himself as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game over the next 17 seasons, scoring 672 goals and providing 303 assists in 778 appearances across all competitions.

Due to the Blaugrana's financial woes, Messi was forced to depart the club in 2021 against his wishes as he joined PSG. The Spanish side attempted to bring the Argentine skipper back as a free agent last summer but were unable to offer him a contract in time due to a lack of funds.

Lionel Messi told TIME in December (via Barca Blaugranes):

“The truth is that fortunately, I had several options on the table that were interesting, and I had to analyze them and think, even weigh them up with my family, before making the final decision to come to Miami."

He added:

“My first option was to return to Barcelona, but it was not possible. I tried to return, and it did not happen."

Left with no choice, Lionel Messi chose to sign for Inter Miami instead. He has had a good start to his tenure there, netting 11 goals and registering five assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.