Lionel Messi transfer decision might derail Inter Miami plans as Barcelona circle

Inter Miami may miss out on signing Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets this summer should the Paris Saint-Germain star opt for a return to Barcelona.

The Major League Soccer side's interest in signing Messi is well-documented, with this summer seeming an opportune moment with the forward winning the World Cup with Argentina and perhaps now finally ready to move away from Europe. He has just months remaining on his PSG contract and could become a free agent in July, which would further help facilitate a move.

Messi is not the only World Cup winner linked with moving to Miami. It is an open secret about the franchise's interest in former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, which appears to be reciprocated by the player. But recent reports suggest the two could reunite back Spain rather than on South Beach.

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Barcelona-based national sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports Busquets is keeping an eye on where Messi moves and claims the midfielder could yet renew his contract with the Catalan club should they re-sign the Argentine. The pair played more than 500 times alongside each other at Barca, with Busquets replacing Messi as the club's captain.

These reports also state that Inter Miami managing owner José Mas watched last weekend's El Clásico at Camp Nou as Barcelona came from behind to win 2-1 and cement their status as champions-elect in Spain. Alongside chief business officer Xavier Asensi, the pair allegedly tried contacting Busquets, but to no avail.

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