Messi back to European football? Sport reports Liverpool interest ahead of the MLS kickoff

It appears that Lionel Messi’s time in European football may not be completely over just yet. Despite the Argentine star currently playing for Inter Miami and being under contract with the MLS club until December 2028, reports from Spain suggest a surprising new possibility. According to Sport, Liverpool are considering a short-term loan move for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner — an operation that, while complex, could benefit the 38-year-old forward for a very specific reason.

“Liverpool are one of several European clubs considering the possibility of signing Lionel Messi on a short-term loan during the MLS preseason... Despite the difficulty of the deal, several clubs are considering attempting to sign the Argentine on a short-term basis until the MLS season begins in March,” the Spanish outlet reported.

Such a scenario would naturally excite the Merseyside club, as adding a player of Messi’s stature would provide an immediate boost in quality and experience. However, completing such a move would be far from straightforward. Although the MLS season does not begin until March, Inter Miami have already scheduled a series of preseason matches throughout January and February. These fixtures include high-profile friendlies in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, where the presence of Messi is expected to be a major attraction. His participation in those matches is a key commercial factor for the club and could prevent any temporary departure.

Beyond logistical challenges, there are also tactical considerations. Under current Liverpool manager Arne Slot, Messi may not naturally fit into the Dutch coach’s system, which prioritizes intensity, pressing and physical demands — aspects that differ significantly from the environment Messi currently enjoys in Major League Soccer.

Liverpool’s attacking depth

Liverpool’s attacking options are already extensive. The squad includes high-profile names such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, players for whom the club has invested more than €200 million in recent seasons. Despite the talent available, individual performances have been inconsistent, and the attacking unit has failed to reach the levels displayed in previous campaigns.

The powerful form Liverpool showed last season has gradually faded, and the club now finds itself sitting fourth in the Premier League with 34 points, trailing leaders Arsenal by 16. Given those results, interest in a proven difference-maker like Messi may not be entirely unrealistic, especially as the club looks for inspiration during a demanding stretch of the season.

There is, however, another important factor that could weigh heavily on Messi’s decision — one he has yet to fully confront during his time in the MLS: language and lifestyle. Miami offers a predominantly Spanish-speaking environment, making it an ideal setting for the Argentine and his family. Messi has rarely spoken English publicly and has never shown a strong inclination to fully adapt linguistically. Relocating to England, even temporarily, would mean leaving behind the comfort and stability he has built in one of the most exclusive and family-friendly cities in the United States.

At this stage, the story remains firmly in the realm of speculation. No official sources in the United States have confirmed any intention for Messi to return to European football, even on loan. A short-term move to England could also result in significant commercial losses for Inter Miami, particularly in terms of global marketing, sponsorships and international exposure. That is a risk neither Messi nor the David Beckham–owned club appears willing to take.

For now, the idea of Messi returning to Europe remains an intriguing rumor — one that fuels imagination but faces substantial sporting, commercial and personal obstacles.