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Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique appreciated Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami for MLS for the first time. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) boss was in charge of Messi and co. during their excellent stint in Spain, winning the treble together a decade ago.
Enrique spoke to reporters regarding the quartet of former Barcelona players that led Inter Miami to win the MLS Cup over the weekend. He appreciated them as incredible players and people, congratulating them, while also pointing out that their success in the USA is deserved.
“They are very good people and incredible players. They deserve everything they get. They must be very proud of what they have done, as people and as footballers. Congratulations to them", he said (via Tribuna.com).
All four of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez played key roles for Inter Miami as they achieved great success this year. The quartet were all icons in Enrique's Barcelona team, with coach Javier Mascherano also playing under the Spanish at the Nou Camp.
Messi's decision to play for Inter Miami in 2023 sarked an influx of ex-Blaugrana players, leading the club to achieve big success since then. They have won four titles together in the MLS, while also leading their club to play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and FIFA Club World for the first time.
Lionel Messi will be without his trusted allies from next season, as both Alba and Busquets have officially retired from the sport. The future of Luis Suarez at the club is unsure, seeing as his contract with the club is set to expire at the end of this month.
Barcelona sporting director breaks silence on Lionel Messi transfer rumors
Barcelona's sporting director Deco has shared his opinion on rumors regarding Lionel Messi with a grand return to the Camp Nou. The 38-year-old has been away from the club since 2021, having been forced to leave as a free agent because of their financial troubles.
Deco spoke on radio show Que t'hi jugues, noting that the possibility of re-signing the Argentina great was never discussed at the club. He admitted that the forward is a great player and could still contribute, but that he is active with Inter Miami.
"I don't think it's possible because Leo is under contract and it was never even considered. Leo is always Leo and he could still contribute something; he's a great player, but it's not something we're going to talk about. The current situation is entirely speculative", he said (via Fox Sports).
Lionel Messi penned a new three-year contract with Inter Miami earlier this year that will keep him in Florida until 2028. He has spoken repeatedly of his love for Barcelona and his desire to return to live in the city at the end of his time in MLS.
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