PSG superstar Lionel Messi's Barcelona return in doubt as likely destination emerges - Reports

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Lionel Messi will not be returning to Barcelona at the end of his deal with the Ligue 1 side, as per El Nacional. The Argentine superstar is tipped to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami after his stint with PSG comes to an end.

There has been talk of Messi, 35, making a return to Camp Nou once his contract with PSG expires in 2023. That's because the Argentine is reportedly unhappy in the French capital and wants to retire with his family in an environment, they would feel comfortable in.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner enjoyed unparalleled success at Camp Nou, where he became one of the game's greatest players. Barcelona president Joan Laporta fuelled speculation over a reunion with the Argentine, saying that Messi's Catalonian story is not over.

However, the aforementioned report claims that Messi's most likely destination is the United States with David Beckham-owned franchise Inter Miami.

Inter Miami are looking to become one of the United States' top franchises. The Herons are claimed to have offered Messi an extremely lucrative contract and an astronomical salary. A move to Miami would bode well for Messi and wife Antonella Roccuzzo. They are likely to stay away from constant media scrutiny and live in a city that they both love.

One issue that has plagued Messi's time at PSG is the media onslaught that has come his way with every uninspiring performance. The former Barcelona star was unceremoniously booed during a Ligue 1 game following PSG's UEFA Champions League exit against eventual winners Real Madrid in the Round of 16.

---

PSG star Lionel Messi to become the MLS' next top star by declining Barcelona return?

Lionel Messi (left) could follow in David Beckham's footsteps.

If Lionel Messi rejects a potential Barcelona return and heads to the MLS, he'll be the latest high-profile superstar to do so.

It all started back in 2007 when David Beckham departed Real Madrid for LA Galaxy to sign a five-year deal, reportedly worth a whopping £128 million.

The 47-year-old has been the trailblazer for some of the game's greatest players to ply their trade in the United States. The likes of Thierry Henry, David Villa, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have all followed in Beckham's footsteps.

Inter Miami are in stark need of a new megastar, with Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi not impressing as expected since arriving.

The Herons were recently humbled in a friendly against Messi's former side Barcelona by a scoreline of 6-0. Messi's arrival in the MLS could see more top talent follow him and raise the level of the game in the United States.