It seems as though Lionel Messi will have to wait even longer to say goodbye to the Barcelona fans as it is looking more and more unlikley that the Argentine sensation will return to his old club on loan for the duration of the MLS off season. There had been rumours circulating that Messi could make a sensational return back to Spain however it has been revealed by El Mundo Deportivo that a return is all but impossible due to Barcelona’s on-going financial struggles. It is said that Barcelona are continuing to work on a very tight budget and that even if Messi did agree to return on a lower salary, La Liga would consider his wage to be much higher, as they did with Joao Felix when he joined Barcelona on loan from Atletico Madrid. Barcelona are also keen on registering Brazilian forward Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense who already has a deal in place for him to join the club. In conclusion there has been no consideration given to the signing of Lionel Messi on a short term loan which means that he will return to pre-season with Inter Miami in January 2024.