When Messi backed Sadio Mane for Ballon d'Or award as he joins Ronaldo at Al Nassr
FootballMessi's Former Barcelona Teammate Believes Inter Miami Star Will Return to Camp Nou
- Lionel Messi has been backed to make a return to Barcelona by a former teammate
- The veteran opted to join Inter Miami in MLS ahead of a return to his 'spiritual home'
- A Barcelona star still believes Messi will make his way back to the club in the future
FC Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen remains optimistic about the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Camp Nou.
Messi was strongly linked with a potential fairy-tale return to the Catalan club during the summer transfer window.
However, he ultimately chose to make the move across the Atlantic to join David Beckham's MLS franchise, Inter Miami.
Since Messi's arrival in the United States, the 36-year-old has had a significant impact, turning around the fortunes of the once-struggling MLS team.
He has already secured his first trophy with Inter Miami by winning the Leagues Cup and he has been in near-perfect form, scoring 11 goals in 11 matches with eight assists to boot, per Transfermarkt.
While the Argentine phenom is enjoying his time in the United States, his former Barcelona teammate, Ter Stegen has expressed his disappointment that the much-anticipated summer reunion did not materialise.
Nevertheless, the German goalkeeper still clings to the hope that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner might find his way back to the club in the future.
"He would certainly have been an asset for us," ter Stegen told GOAL. "Maybe he'll return in another role at some point. Barcelona is his club and will always be a big part of his life. Many people here are still in contact with him. A few players he was very close with are now in Miami with him."
USMNT star hails Messi's impact on MLS
There's no denying the Argentine is currently the most prominent soccer figure in America and USMNT star, Christian Pulisic has lauded Messi's impact on the sport in his home country, Sports Brief reported.
Pulisic, in remarks made prior to the USMNT's 3-0 triumph over Uzbekistan and as reported by ESPN, acknowledged that he has been closely following Messi since the Argentine superstar's major arrival in the country.