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Barcelona Legend Shuts Doors for a Lionel Messi Reunion as Inter Miami Hunts for a New Defender Before 2024 MLS Season

Published 01/14/2024, 5:56 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The last several transfer windows have seen former teammates reunite with each other. Lionel Messi has reunited with some of his former Barcelona teammates at Inter Miami. On the other side, Cristiano Ronaldo has reunited with former United star Alex Telles at Al Nassr. However, amid all this, Culers legend has no intentions to reunite with La Pulga.

The Herons also have different plans for the remainder of the transfer window as they plan for the upcoming season. They are looking to bolster a different position at the moment.

Barcelona star happy to stay put

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After Inter Miami pulled off the wonder signing of Luis Suarez, the media reports linked the club to several other current and former Barcelona stars. One of them was current Culers captain Sergio Roberto. There were rumors that Lionel Messi wanted him to sign for Herons. However, ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, he has crushed the hopes of any interested clubs. Roberto, speaking on his future, said, “If the manager wants me to stay, I’m sure that we won’t have any problem to agree on a new deal. I hope next season we’ll be here to speak about finals again.”

His comments came after head coach Xavi earlier made a huge comment about the future of the captain. When the Barca legend and current boss was asked about Roberto, he said that the owners had already been informed the right-back’s contract should be extended. He also said that the Spanish international might get criticized for his performances. However, he has always given his best during his 14 years at the club.

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Hence, it looks like amid all the reunions, Lionel Messi will certainly not be seeing Sergio Roberto at Inter Miami. But, as far as the transfer plans are concerned, the Herons have very different plans.

Tata Martino wants to improve in the heart of defense

Despite the valiant efforts of Lionel Messi in the second half of the season, Inter Miami failed to qualify for the playoffs. One of the major reasons behind the poor season was the amount of goals they conceded. They let the opposition score 54 goals last season, which was the second-highest in the Eastern Conference. Inter Miami boss Tata Martino will not want a repeat of the issue this season.

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Hence, before the season kicks off, the Herons’ boss wants a new center-back. The owners are also doing their best. They have been linked with former Everton defender Yerry Mina. The club also made a bid for River Plate defender David Martinez. However, the bid was rejected. Recently, even Argentine centre-back Marcos Rojo reportedly rejected Inter Miami in favor of staying at Boca Juniors.

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The David Beckham-owned side will certainly hope that they can get a center-back as soon as possible. Which defender will sign for Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

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Written by:

Anuj Nikhil Virjiani

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I can't express how deep my passion for the sport runs, especially when it comes to the English Premier League. Over the years, I've dedicated myself to understanding the intricate details of the game, both on and off the field. What's fascinating is that my beloved club is Newcastle United, and I've been on a rollercoaster journey with them, from their triumphant promotion from the second tier to the recent takeover and even their remarkable qualification for the Champions League last season.
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Edited by:

Rohan Karnad