There was a feeling of helplessness when witnessing Lionel Messi struggle in Inter Miami's loss to Paris St-Germain in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Even at the age of 38, Messi can still create brilliant moments of genius, including a beautiful pass to Luis Suarez that should have brought him an assist. However, El Pulga alone is not enough as their opponents are at a much higher level.
It was sad to see the greatest player in the history of the king sport having to struggle in a match where the chance of winning seemed to be zero.
"PSG are a great team, the most recent Champions League champions. And they are in really good form. We have tried our best, I think we have left a good impression at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025" - Messi admitted after the crushing 0-4 defeat.
Is it Messi's goal to leave only a "good impression" at this stage of his illustrious career? The Argentine striker has found peace in Miami, but he has also become complacent, and that is bad news for Argentina as the 2026 World Cup is approaching. However, new rumors about the possibility of a return to Barcelona have also appeared recently, which will change everything for Messi and Albiceleste.

Messi is said to be ready to extend his contract with Miami, as the MLS team also believes that negotiations are on the right track. But if Messi decides to take his sixth World Cup participation seriously, his stay in MLS, a tournament that is still far behind the competition in Europe, will not be meaningful.
Messi must return to Europe, or more specifically, Barcelona. It is difficult to imagine him playing for any other European club, especially after a forgettable two years at PSG.
There is still a sense of unfinished place between Barca and Messi. The gems of the La Masia academy left Camp Nou without a true farewell in 2021 because the Blaugrana were unable to extend their contract. At that time, former President Josep Bartomeu pushed Barca into an unprecedented financial crisis.
Messi's 21 years of association with the Catalan club have ended unfinished. The Argentine striker broke the club's all-time goalscoring record, while helping the team win 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League. At this time, there is still time for Barca to fix everything.
Spanish reports say Joan Laporta, who was second- overall elected as Barca president right after Messi left, wants to return the owner of the eight Ballons d'Or on a six-month contract. If Messi leaves Miami at the end of the year, Barca can sign him as a free transfer. Therefore, it would be surprising if this possibility had not been discussed, at least in the Blaugrana boardroom.

Maintaining the salary within the limits of La Liga is still a concern for Barca. However, Laporta are said to be ready to do everything possible to arrange for Messi's return date to coincide with the reopening of Camp Nou Stadium.
Barcelona's attack has just had an extremely explosive 2024-2025 season, so Messi will not have to face much pressure when he returns. His task is to help Yamal, Raphinha and Dani Olmo reach new heights.
It will be a suitable plan for Messi even if he is no longer the center. Argentina will find it difficult to defend their World Cup title against Messi, who can only operate at his usual 50% ability in Miami. But things would be different if El Pulga returned to his peak in Europe.