Lionel Messi demands Inter Miami sign player after disastrous MLS play-off defeat as 'talks initiated'

Lionel Messi has reportedly made a demand to Inter Miami after they were knocked out of the MLS play-offs by Atlanta United.

Inter won the Supporters' Shield for the first time in their history after an excellent Eastern Conference League campaign where they claimed 74 points from 34 games in the regular season.

They came up against manager Tata Martino's side former side Atlanta in the play-offs for the MLS Cup and ended up having to play out a best of three decider after trading victories across two legs.

Messi scored his first play-off goal at the Chase Stadium but the Herons, the clear favourites to go all the way, were eliminated after suffering a 3-2 defeat.

And according to El Nacional, Messi has responded to the set-back by trying to initiate another huge signing for David Beckham's franchise.

Already surrounding by former Barcelona colleagues in Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi is said to be desperate to be reunited with Neymar, who he also played with at Paris Saint-Germain.

The report adds that Messi has already picked up the phone and called Neymar in a bid to convince him to join him in the United States.

Lionel Messi wants Neymar to join him at Barcelona, reports claim. Image: Getty

Along with Suarez, Messi and Neymar made up one of the most devastating trios in football history and fired Barcelona to a memorable treble in 2015.

Messi wants to relive that experience once again and believes the MLS is the perfect place for Neymar, who has endured a difficult time in Saudi Arabia.

Only last month Neymar returned to action after a year out following an ACL injury but the Brazilian has been hit with another setback, having suffered a hamstring tear against Esteghlal FC.

He could be facing another six weeks on the sidelines and it is suggested that Neymar's contract could be terminated in January.

Neymar has suffered another injury as his Al Hilal nightmare continues. Image: Getty

Messi, Neymar and Suarez still have a group chat and the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner recently acknowledged that is it "difficult" for his former colleague to make the move.

He is also considering a return to boyhood club Santos, as per the report.