Share

Messi 'blocks' Barca star from joining Inter Miami

accreditation
0:00
play article
Subscribers can listen to this article
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - APRIL 20: Lionel Messi #10 and Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami arrive before the game against the Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium on April 20, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - APRIL 20: Lionel Messi #10 and Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami arrive before the game against the Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium on April 20, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Argentina star Lionel Messi has reportedly blocked an FC Barcelona star from joining Inter Miami next season.

The Major League Soccer outfit have already brought in former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez following Messi's arrival.

More high-profile players will be linked with moves to the United States over the new few months, including current Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.

Read: Hazard: Why I turned down MLS for retirement

El Nacional have reported that Inter Miami are keen on the signing the Polish striker next season.

However, the report claims that Messi does not want Lewandowski at Inter as the pair don't have the best of relationships.

The pair had a falling out over a misunderstanding about the Ballon d'Or awards, with Messi late revealing he went out of his way to humiliating Lewandowski during Argentina's clash against Poland at the 2022 World Cup.

"Lewandowski's statement in 2021 bothered me because when I won the Ballon d'Or I said what I really felt," the 36-year-old has now told ESPN.

"I ignored him during the game because it was him and I was angry and thought he shouldn't have said what he said. I was very angry. Was I deliberately dribbling because it was him? Yes.

El Nacional added that Messi also wanted to protect Luis Suarez, whose position as a striker would be under threat if Lewandowski joined the Miami outfit.

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.

Click HERE to register!

Get the best in Soccer, News and Lifestyle content with SNL24 PLUS
For 14 free days, you can have access to the best from Soccer Laduma, KickOff, Daily Sun, TrueLove and Drum. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed.
Subscribe to SNL24 PLUS
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Who is your Real Deal Player of the Weekend?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Gabadinho Mhango
35% - 19 votes
Sanele Barns
35% - 19 votes
Veli Mothwa
30% - 16 votes
Vote
Feedback & Complaints

Got something on your mind? Get in touch!

Get in touch!
Blow the whistle

Do you have a news tip or story you would like to share with KickOff?

Email our news team
Match Centre
All Tournaments
Live Scores
South Africa Premier League