Lionel Messi responds to claim he could rejoin Barcelona on loan from Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has addressed rumours that he could leave Inter Miami on loan once the Major League Soccer season finishes.

The 36-year-old had been linked with short term loan moves to Saudi Arabia, Manchester City and his former club Barcelona in order to retain his match fitness for games with Argentina.

Inter Miami failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs, meaning their season will come to an end after Saturday's clash with Charlotte FC.

However, it seems Messi has no plans to leave the United States anytime soon.

Speaking after Argentina's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Peru on Tuesday, where he scored both goals, the World Cup winner said: "It's a shame [we didn't qualify for the MLS playoffs]."

"We came very close. I missed the last few games, we had several injuries. The month of July was very hard for us, we played every three days, we traveled.

"But we won a tournament, which is important for the club and for what is coming next year."

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Messi went on to detail his plans for the rest of the season, insisting he would stay in the best shape possible to cement his place for Argentina, but would enjoy some time off the pitch.

"I will train, I will play our upcoming match [against Charlotte FC] and I will try to get here [to the national team] in the best possible way for November," he added.

"After that, I will enjoy the holidays in Argentina. It's the first time that I am going to have more days off in December, with the holidays, with peace of mind, with my people.

"In January, I will return again to do preseason. Start from scratch and prepare as best as possible as always."

It is no surprise that clubs are queuing up to sign the seven time Ballon d'Or winner on loan following his incredible form for Inter Miami.

Prior to his injury during Argentina's 1-0 win over Ecuador in September, Messi scored 11 goals in 11 games for his new club.

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Topics: Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Inter Miami, Football, La Liga

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno