Since Lionel Messi’s highly publicized move to Inter Miami in 2023, the Argentine maestro has not only elevated the level of Major League Soccer (MLS) but also transformed Inter Miami into one of the league’s most exciting teams. Messi’s arrival brought a wave of excitement to the soccer community in North America and has sparked discussions about who might join him next in Florida. Recently, rumors have surfaced that Messi is keen on reuniting with one of FC Barcelona’s brightest young stars, Ansu Fati.
Messi and Fati share a special connection forged during their time together at Barcelona. Although Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, and Fati’s rise to stardom has been disrupted by injuries, the bond between them remains strong. Now, Messi is reportedly eager to bring Fati to Inter Miami, hoping to create a potent attacking partnership reminiscent of their days at Camp Nou.
Messi’s Influence at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has had a transformative impact on the club. When he joined in July 2023, Miami was languishing at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference. However, Messi’s arrival instantly changed the club’s fortunes. He led them to their first-ever major trophy, winning the Leagues Cup in August 2023, and injected new life into a team that had struggled for consistency.
More than just his on-field brilliance, Messi’s influence off the field has been just as profound. His global stature has attracted attention from fans, media, and potential signings. His presence at Inter Miami opens doors to players who otherwise might not have considered MLS. Names like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both of whom played alongside Messi at Barcelona, have already made the switch, joining him in Miami. Now, the next potential recruit on Messi’s wish list could be Ansu Fati, a player he once mentored at Barcelona.
Ansu Fati: A Prodigy on the Rise
Ansu Fati’s rise to prominence at Barcelona was nothing short of meteoric. At the age of 16, he became the youngest player to score for Barcelona in La Liga, quickly earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects. Fati’s blend of pace, technical ability, and an eye for goal made him a natural successor to Messi in the Barcelona lineup, especially after Messi’s departure.
However, injuries have plagued Fati’s career in recent years. A knee injury in 2020 sidelined him for much of the 2020-21 season, and despite his efforts to regain form, Fati has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona. During the summer of 2023, the Spanish international was loaned to Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion in search of more playing time.
While his future at Barcelona remains uncertain, Fati is still highly regarded as a player with immense potential. A move to Inter Miami, under Messi’s guidance, could represent a fresh start for the youngster, allowing him to regain confidence and fitness in a less intense environment than Europe’s top leagues.
Messi and Fati: A Special Connection
Messi and Ansu Fati’s relationship goes beyond just football. Messi served as a mentor to the young forward during their time together at Barcelona, and the two developed a close bond on and off the pitch. Fati has often spoken about how Messi helped him grow as a player, providing advice and support during his early years with the first team.
On the field, their connection was electric. Fati’s ability to play off the shoulder of defenders and exploit space complemented Messi’s vision and playmaking skills. They often combined for goals and assists, with Messi creating opportunities for Fati to showcase his finishing ability. The prospect of reuniting in MLS, where they could once again link up, is tantalizing for fans of both players.
Inter Miami’s Ambitious Plans
Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, has shown its ambition in recent seasons. Signing Messi was a monumental statement, but the club is not resting on its laurels. With a clear focus on building a team capable of dominating MLS and potentially challenging for continental glory in the CONCACAF Champions League, Miami is actively looking for high-profile signings to complement Messi’s talents.
If Messi is advocating for Fati to join, it would be a strategic move for both the club and the player. Fati could provide Miami with the pace and youthful energy they need in attack, while also benefiting from a less physically demanding league. At 21 years old, Fati still has plenty of time to develop, and a few years in MLS could help him rediscover his best form.
Challenges and Considerations
While the idea of Fati joining Inter Miami is exciting, there are several challenges that could make the transfer complicated. First, Fati’s current contract with Barcelona runs until 2027, meaning Miami would either have to negotiate a transfer fee with the Catalan club or wait until Fati is available on loan again. Given Barcelona’s financial difficulties, they might be open to selling Fati, but they would likely demand a significant fee for a player they once viewed as a cornerstone of their future.
Second, Fati’s loan move to Brighton suggests that he still has ambitions to compete in Europe’s top leagues. At 21, Fati might view a move to MLS as a step down, even if it means reuniting with Messi. Much will depend on how his loan spell at Brighton pans out and whether Barcelona sees a long-term future for him at the club.
Finally, there’s the question of how Inter Miami would structure a deal for Fati under MLS’s salary cap rules. While the league’s Designated Player (DP) rule allows teams to sign high-profile stars without their salaries counting fully against the cap, Inter Miami already has several DPs, including Messi, Busquets, and Josef Martínez. Bringing Fati in would require careful financial planning, though the league and the club have proven willing to bend the rules to accommodate marquee players.
Conclusion: A Dream Reunion?
The possibility of Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati reuniting at Inter Miami is a captivating one. For Messi, having a player of Fati’s talent and familiarity would further enhance his experience in MLS and boost Inter Miami’s prospects of continued success. For Fati, a move to Miami could be the fresh start he needs to reignite his career and fulfill the potential that made him one of Europe’s hottest young talents.
Whether this transfer happens in the near future remains to be seen, but the prospect of Messi and Fati linking up once again—this time in the pink and black of Inter Miami—is one that would capture the imagination of soccer fans around the world. It could be another chapter in Messi’s legacy of elevating the global game and further proof of MLS’s growing appeal as a destination for top-tier talent.