Lionel Messi’s recent visit to Barcelona and the club’s stadium, Spotify Camp Nou, has reignited speculation about the Argentine star’s possible return to the team where he experienced some of the most memorable moments of his career. In a post on Instagram, the player smiled on the field and wrote a nostalgic caption. “Last night I returned to a place that I remember dearly. A place where I was so happy, a place where you made me feel a thousand times more like the happiest person in the world. I wish I could go back someday. Not only to say goodbye as a player, but I haven’t been able to do it until now…”
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The message touched fans’ hearts and sparked dreams of seeing Messi in a maroon shirt again. And contrary to what may seem, this idea is not impossible. A contractual loophole known as the ‘Beckham Clause’ – which has already been exploited by other soccer stars – could allow the Argentine to temporarily return to Barça without breaking his contract with Inter Miami.
The rule originated in Major League Soccer (MLS), the American league in which Messi plays, and stipulates that players can be loaned to other clubs during the championship’s interseason period. The MLS calendar runs from February to October, so the break between seasons usually gives you more room for short-term loans from December to February.
In practice, this means Barcelona can rely on Messi for around three months – at a crucial time in the European calendar, when clubs are competing for titles and knockout stages. However, the transfer must be completed before the start of the new MLS season.
The model has already been used by names such as Landon Donovan, who was loaned to Everton twice during the American break, as well as Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and David Beckham himself, who inspired the clause.
Lionel Messi receives a ‘Smurf’ cake for his 38th birthday
The Argentine player will use this public holiday to celebrate with his family as the Club World Cup will be held in his country.
Should Barcelona show interest and Inter Miami agree to a short-term release for their star player, the so-called ‘Beckham Clause’ would allow Messi to once again don the shirt that made him famous, ultimately ending his love story with the club in a symbolic way on the field.
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