Lionel Messi might find himself reuniting with yet another former Barcelona teammate as Arturo Vidal expresses openness to the idea of joining Inter Miami.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, has already been accompanied to Florida by familiar faces like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba since his move to the United States.
Speculation has arisen regarding Luis Suarez potentially following a similar trajectory in the near future.
Before any such deal materialises, discussions have arisen about the prospect of Vidal making his way to America.
The 36-year-old Chilean international midfielder, who was with Barcelona from 2018 to 2020, is on the brink of ending his association with Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense, having left Flamengo in July.
He has told TNT Argentina of heading to MLS: “I would happily go and play with Messi.
With him, it’s very easy, you just have to pass him the ball. In the United States, there are several rules that prevent more older players from going, that’s why it hasn’t happened before. I would be delighted to play with Leo, Busquets – they play by heart and now Inter Miami plays like that too, with a good coach [Tata Martino].”
Vidal, who has earned 140 caps for his country, has also discussed the possibility of lining up against Messi at the 2024 Copa America – which will take place in America.
He added on the all-time great, who has suggested that he will not be defending a global crown with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup: “I see Messi playing for a long time with the Argentine team. He enjoys it and is happy wearing the Argentine shirt.”
Messi’s pace at the club level remains undiminished, as he clinched a record-breaking 44th trophy mere weeks after joining Inter Miami.
In addition to propelling them to victory in the League Cup, the South American icon played a pivotal role in securing a spot in the U.S. Open Cup final and achieving a crucial MLS triumph over the New York Red Bulls.