Lionel Messi ‘could make sensational return to Barcelona on loan’ in January, after Inter Miami’s loss to Cincinnati confirmed they cannot make the MLS play-offs

• Inter Miami have failed to make the MLS play-offs after losing 1-0 to Cincinnati 
• It has opened up ‘a possible return to Barcelona on loan for Lionel Messi’
• David Beckham and Thierry Henry made similar moves while playing in the MLS

Lionel Messi ‘could rejoin Barcelona on loan from Inter Miami’ after they failed to qualify for the MLS play-offs, reports have said.

Miami’s 1-0 loss to Cincinatti confirmed they will not take part in the competition’s next stage, and their season will end later this month. 

The MLS side’s plight had not been helped by an injury to Messi, who had initially looked to be turning things around at the struggling side before missing five games with a leg problem.

His first season in America has brought 11 goals in 13 games, although he did perform far better in the League Cup compared to other competitions.

Miami’s disappointing season could open up a sensational loan move for the 36-year-old, with reports in Sport claiming they ‘could be willing’ to let him join Barcelona in January.

Lionel Messi ‘could be in line for a sensational loan move to Barcelona in January’

It comes after Inter Miami’s loss to Cincinatti confirmed they could not make the MLS play-offs

Messi carved his reputation as one of the best footballers of all-time at the Nou Camp, winning nine league titles, seven Copa del Reys, four Champions Leagues and seven Ballon d’Ors at the club.

 He also scored 673 goals for Barca, with an incredible 72 coming in the 2011-12 season alone.

Barca were keen to sign him before he moved to America, but have seen their transfer business hampered in recent years by financial problems.

Messi would not be the first MLS player to return to Europe on loan if he did complete the move.

Thierry Henry returned to Arsenal on loan while playing for New York Red Bulls and scored a famous last-minute winner against Sunderland.

David Beckham did the same, joining AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in 2009 and 2010. 

Barca boss Xavi played with Messi for 11 years at Barca and was keen on bringing him in over the summer

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