Inter Miami forced to turn down Barcelona's Lionel Messi request as dream scenario denied

Inter Miami have been forced to deny a request from Barcelona that would have resulted in a dream matchup next summer, it has been reported.

Barcelona had hoped to convince the MLS club to agree to the friendly to form part of their US tour, which would have seen the Spanish giants reunite with Lionel Messi.

The club's greatest ever player has not faced off against his former club since leaving Barca in 2021, with PSG not being drawn against Les Cules in the Champions League since the previous 2020/21 season.

Messi joined Inter Miami last summer after his PSG contract expired, and quickly played a key role in their 2023 Leagues Cup success.

Injury affected the impact he could have in his debut MLS season, with Inter Miami among the favourites to win the MLS Cup when the season restarts next month.

The MLS will be paused between July and August to incorporate the Leagues Cup into the schedule, with Barca hoping to face Messi and Inter Miami during that timeframe.

The Leagues Cup sees MLS sides take on clubs from Liga MX in Mexico, with the top three-placed sides qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

A friendly would also have seen a reunion with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who are also playing for the US franchise.

But according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, that will not be happening.

It is claimed that it is precisely down to their Leagues Cup participation that Inter Miami have decided to decline Barcelona's request for a friendly match.

The report adds that Xavi's side are keen to establish a 'headquarters' for their US tour, which would have been a base to play friendlies from.

However, with Inter Miami's reported decision, it appears that Les Cules will have to find an alternative spot, with Orlando and New York given as possible destinations.