Inter Miami shoots down Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona reunion — but why?

It doesn't seem as though Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Barcelona will be reuniting as the Herons have turned down the Blaugrana's request for a friendly in the summer of 2024.

In the summer of 2023, the Argentine legend departed Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), choosing instead to sign as a free agent with MLS team Inter Miami rather than his previous team Barcelona according to Sportskeeda.

He had an immediate effect, helping the Herons win the Leagues Cup, the first trophy in the club's history, with 10 goals and one assist in seven games.

According to reports, Barcelona intends to resume its pre-season preparations in the United States during the summer of 2024. The La Liga powerhouses allegedly made Inter Miami an offer to play a friendly.

Additionally, Lionel Messi would have had the opportunity to play with his childhood team for the first time.

Due to their hectic schedule, Inter Miami has apparently declined this request. In the same time frame, they plan to defend their Leagues Cup championship.

After their off-season vacation, Inter Miami will play Real Salt Lake on February 21 if there are no friendly.

Lionel Messi recently stated that, before his summer transfer to Inter Miami, his first preference was to return to Barcelona.

Prior to his 2004 senior debut, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner rose through the ranks of La Masia. Over the next 17 seasons, Messi cemented his place in the records of football history by amassing 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games across all competitions.