Fabrizio Romano confirms Lionel Messi's next move amid Barcelona return speculation

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has spoken about Lionel Messi’s next move amid rumours of a return to Barcelona.

Messi joined MLS side Inter Miami on the back of the 22/23 season after his contract with French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain came to an end.

With the season in America now over, there have been speculations that Messi could return to his former club Barcelona on loan until the new MLS season starts.

Now, transfer guru Romano has given an update on Messi’s future on his YouTube channel.

He said: “He’s not going to any club on loan. Many people were hoping for Messi to do something like David Beckham or Thierry Henry to return to Europe before the new MLS season begins in February.

“Leo Messi, from what I’m told, always had the same idea: stay at Inter Miami and don’t go on loan to Barcelona or any other club. And now what happens? He’s going to play for Argentina in November then in December he’ll relax a bit, rest a bit. First week in January, Messi will be back for pre-season and then in February, he’ll be back on the pitch with Inter Miami.”

Romano added: “And remember, in one week’s time there’s the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris and Leo Messi will be there. We know the feeling around him and this Ballon d’Or.”

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Ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony later in the month, Messi is the favourite to win his eighth award after a stellar year.

The 36-year-old played a huge role as he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

Since Messi joined Inter Miami, the seven-time Ballon d’Or has made 14 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and assisting five along the way.

However, despite the addition of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami were unable to secure a place in the play-offs.

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