Lionel Messi has ruled out the possibility of him returning to Barcelona on loan following the culmination of his first MLS season at Inter Miami.

The 2023 MLS regular season finished last month, and with Inter Miami not making the play-offs, they are not due to return to competitive action until February.

High-profile players including David Beckham and Thierry Henry have gone back to Europe during the MLS off-season in the past, and Barcelona fans may have hoped club legend Messi could be tempted to follow suit.

When asked whether he would consider a loan switch to Barcelona or another European club, Messi told L’Equipe: ‘No, no chance. Not at all.’

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has said he will not return to Barcelona on loan this winter

Barcelona boss Xavi has previously spoken about wanting Messi to come back to the club

‘Thanks to God, I had an extraordinary career in Europe and won everything I have dreamed of.

‘Now that I have decided to come to USA, I don’t think I will ever return to playing in Europe.’

Messi appeared close to securing a dramatic return to Barcelona over the summer after deciding to leave PSG following two years with the Ligue 1 giants.

He admitted he gave serious consideration to the move, but felt it was ‘not possible’ in the end.

‘I could have returned to Barcelona but it didn’t happen. It was similar to me having to leave in 2021,’ Messi explained.

‘I thought about Barça return, my life there, retiring there as I always wanted but… it was not possible.’

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The race for Messi’s signature over the summer was a fascinating one, with the Argentine icon appearing to have three options available – Barcelona, Inter Miami or Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

He has revealed there was more interest, though, and that he was also approached by other European clubs during this period.

After months of uncertainty, Messi finally opted to join Inter Miami, and he has made a very positive start to life in the US.

He already has 11 goals and five assists in 14 games, and led the team to the Leagues Cup in August just weeks after arriving at the club.

Messi chose to join Inter Miami over moving to Saudi Arabia or staying in Europe this summer

After winning the Ballon d’Or again this week, he feels he made the right decision

This has capped off a dream 12 months for Messi after he won his first World Cup with Argentina last December, and he was rewarded for his stellar year by being named the Ballon d’Or winner for a record eighth time earlier this week.

Reflecting on his decision to move to Inter Miami over the Middle East or staying in Europe, Messi feels he made the right call. 

‘I had many offers on the table this year… including multiple European clubs and Saudi Arabia,’ Messi told journalist Florent Torchut.

‘We decided to come to Miami and it is a decision we are happy with, we feel good.’