Lionel Messi's representatives have hit back at reports claiming that the Paris Saint-Germain superstar is poised to join Inter Miami at the end of the Ligue 1 season.
Reports emerged on Sunday outlining that the Inter Miami hierarchy were 'confident' that the 35-year-old was on the brink of agreeing a deal to join the MLS franchise, which is co-owned by David Beckham.
Messi only joined PSG last summer after Barcelona's financial issues prevented them from tying their talisman down to a new long-term deal. And after struggling to adapt to life in the French capital following his move last year, Messi has been in scintillating form for PSG this term, racking up 26 goal contributions in just 19 games.
As a result, the French giants are keen to strike a deal of their own with Messi in order to extend his stay in Paris - and their chances of doing so may have been given a boost by one of the forward's representatives on Sunday night.
Speaking to CNN, Marcelo Mendez insisted that Messi was not in talks with Inter Miami, despite reports to the contrary. “It’s false, it’s fake news," Mendez said in a statement. "There is no negotiation for Lionel to join Inter Miami next season."
Messi is currently in Qatar competing at the World Cup with Argentina in what is likely to be his final opportunity to win the coveted Jules Rimet trophy. Understandably, it is believed that the veteran is likely to shelve any thoughts about his future until after the tournament.
As well as reported interest from Inter Miami, who are long-time admirers of Messi, the forward's former club Barcelona have been tipped to launch a sensational bid to bring him back to the Nou Camp.
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Messi bid a tearful farewell to the Spanish giants after months of speculation last summer. Club president Joan Laporta has been vocal with his desire to bring Messi back to the club and has suggested that he 'owes it' to the Argentine superstar.
However, any offer Barcelona table for their former favourite could be gazumped by Inter Miami; the initial report from The Times suggested that Messi would become the highest-paid player in MLS history if he agreed to the blockbuster move.
A deal bringing Messi to American would be regarded as a major coup for the MLS, which has been slowly growing in popularity. And crucially, Messi himself has already opened the door for a "dream" move Stateside.
Speaking to the Spanish press last year, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner admitted: "I would like to play in the United States one day; it’s always been one of my dreams."