Gerardo Martino gives verdict on potential Lionel Messi loan return to Barcelona

Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino has played down suggestions Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona in a loan move in January.

Messi joined the Herons in the summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and played a major role in their Leagues Cup victory, having previously flirted with a move back to Catalonia.

He has also scored 12 goals in 13 games in all competitions after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal in July.

However, Inter's hopes of making the Major League Soccer playoffs came to an end after a 1-0 defeat at home to FC Cincinnati on Saturday, though Messi did make his return from injury as a substitute before he jets off for Argentina's matches during the international break.

Speculation has suggested Messi could sign on loan with his former club once the MLS season comes to an end. The World Cup winner won't be in action until February next year when Inter Miami's 2024 MLS season begins.

Martino, though, said he knew little about any such proposal.

"Is he going for fun? Maybe he's going to visit Barcelona," said Martino. "Other than that, I don't know anything else about it."

90min understands there has been no recent indication of Messi wanting to rejoin Barca on loan, while the performances of Joao Felix and Lamine Yamal mean manager Xavi is happy with the La Liga champions' current options in attack.

Inter Miami do have two more games remaining in the current MLS season once the October international comes to a close, both coming against Charlotte. Messi's Argentina will be playing World Cup qualifiers over the next few weeks, with Paraguay and Peru their upcoming opponents.

READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP