Messi’s Inter Miami deny talks with Barcelona over 2027 Gamper Trophy participation | OneFootball

Rumours linking Inter Miami with a potential appearance in Barcelona’s 2027 Joan Gamper Trophy have been played down after sources at the MLS club stated that no discussions have taken place between the two sides, confirms AS.

Speculation had suggested that Lionel Messi’s team could headline Barcelona’s traditional pre-season fixture, setting the stage for the Argentine legend’s emotional return to the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou.

However, according to sources close to Inter Miami, no negotiations are currently underway.

No contact between clubs

Those within the American club have confirmed that there have been no formal or informal conversations with Barcelona regarding participation in the 2027 Gamper Trophy.

As things stand, there is no agreement, proposal or ongoing dialogue that would see Inter Miami travel to Catalonia for the annual exhibition match.

No talks taking place between Inter Miami and Barcelona. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

While the idea of Messi returning to the Spotify Camp Nou continues to excite supporters, any such reunion remains purely speculative at this stage.

Messi’s relationship with Barcelona

Although Messi’s affection for Barcelona and its supporters has never been questioned, his relationship with the club’s current hierarchy is still considered distant.

The Argentine remains deeply attached to the club where he spent the majority of his career, but his connections with the current board have cooled since his departure.

Messi, who recently made history at the World Cup, is under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, making the MLS club solely responsible for any decisions regarding future friendly matches.

Fans remain eager to see Messi back at Camp Nou. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

MLS calendar set for change

By the summer of 2027, the landscape of American football will also be different. Major League Soccer currently operates on a spring-to-autumn calendar, but the competition is scheduled to transition to a European-style season beginning in the summer of 2027.

The new format will run from late summer through to spring, aligning more closely with Europe’s major leagues.

That calendar change could influence the scheduling of future international friendlies, including potential appearances in tournaments such as the Gamper Trophy.

For now, however, any prospect of Messi returning to Camp Nou with Inter Miami remains exactly that – a possibility rather than an active negotiation.