Amidst the recent suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba from the MLS All-Star match, questions arose about the future of the Inter Miami star. The suspension, announced in late January 2024, created considerable speculation over Lionel Messi MLS transfer rumors, as fans and media debated whether the incident might trigger his departure from the club. MLS Commissioner Don Garber addressed the situation, emphasizing the difficulty of the decision and expressing hope that both players and supporters would respect the stakeholders’ judgment.
Garber acknowledged the challenge involved in suspending two of Inter Miami’s most influential players but stressed the fairness of the decision. Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano also commented on the matter, reinforcing team unity despite the absence of Messi and Alba. He stated that the team had progressed without resentment, signaling that the club planned to move forward without disruption.
Messi’s Family Ties Ignite Unfounded Transfer Rumors
The suspension drama coincided with rumors sparked by an appearance of Lionel Messi’s wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, at a preseason match in Italy. The event featured Italian club Como FC hosting French team Lille at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Como’s manager, former Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas, noted the close relationship between his family and Messi’s, which fueled speculation about a possible transfer to Como.
Fabregas remarked playfully on Messi’s ties to Como, hinting that the Argentine’s children had an unofficial connection to the club through family visits.
“Never say never, he [Messi] was at my house on vacation. He went on a trip to see friends, we are friends, even his wives and children. As Ludi said after the match, we can’t say Messi has never played for Como, given his children. But he’s in America,”
Fabregas said, suggesting openness about the prospect.
However, these rumors were quickly dispelled by Mirwan Suwarso, the president of I Lariani, the group behind Como FC. Suwarso firmly stated,
“The Messi family were guests of Fabregas and his wife. It would be a dream for him to come here, but why would he leave behind all the money he is earning now? Besides, we have not had any contact with him,”
adding emphatically,
“It’s not even a dream, it’s just impossible,”
extinguishing hopes that Messi might transfer to the Italian club.
Financial Backing and Club Ambitions of Como FC
Despite the dismissal of Messi’s potential move, Como FC’s financial resources and recent success were notable points of discussion. The club is backed by Indonesian billionaire brothers Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Hartono, who have supported Como’s rise from the fourth tier of Italian football to Serie A within six years through three promotions. Forbes lists the brothers’ combined net worth at approximately $48 billion, marking them among the richest owners in European football.
While this financial clout enabled Como to improve its standing significantly, it was clear that signing a player of Messi’s caliber remained beyond realistic expectations. Moreover, according to club officials and observers, Messi himself was unlikely to consider such a move regardless of Como’s wealth and progress, reinforcing the sentiment that his future lies elsewhere.
Expert View: Messi’s Stay at Inter Miami Is Certain
The swirling rumors about Messi’s MLS future were countered by strong insights from two well-informed sources. Guillem Balague, Messi’s official biographer, provided a decisive statement during a podcast episode of ‘The Debrief,’ featuring prominent journalists Ben Jacobs, Angus Scott, and Fabrizio Romano. Balague affirmed that Messi prioritizes family happiness and is settled in the United States.
He said,
“Yes. I say that because now there’s a live sight to it. He needs to have his family comfortable and happy, and he’ll do that. He would go back to Barcelona in some capacity, but Inter Miami will be his last club, I’m pretty sure of that.”
This interview dispelled ongoing conjecture and confirmed Messi’s intention to remain with Inter Miami, turning attention away from European clubs and towards his commitment to Major League Soccer.
Impact of Messi’s Suspension and What Lies Ahead
Although Messi’s one–match suspension for missing the MLS All-Star game caused a stir, the episode appears to be a minor disruption rather than a symptom of larger instability. Inter Miami has demonstrated strong team cohesion without Messi and continues to build momentum in the league. Both the club and the MLS have reasoned that maintaining the existing roster, including their star player, is in their best interest.
Fans, analysts, and the broader soccer community are likely to watch closely how this situation develops, but current indications point toward stability. The dismissal of transfer rumors involving Como FC and expert testimonies reinforce that Messi’s MLS journey is secure for the foreseeable future. This clarity will allow Inter Miami to plan major campaigns without the uncertainty of losing their marquee player.