Lionel Messi has reportedly let Inter Miami know he would like to join forces with a current Real Madrid star in the United States.

In a turn of events that has surprised many, Inter Miami finds itself in awe of the reception Lionel Messi has received from MLS rivals

In a heartwarming turn of events, Inter Miami has promised Lionel Messi the chance to bid farewell to Barcelona one last time

The team announced that Messi would not play about 45 minutes before Saturday's game time. Without Messi, Miami still had some magic - Tomás Avilés scored off a header in stoppage time to salvage what became a 1-1 tie. NYCFC had the lead on a goal by Santiago Rodriguez in the 77th minute.

Pedja Mijatovic has told La Ser (via MD) that Inter Miami are keen on signing Luka Modric, whose Real Madrid contract expires at the end of this season. “He has received offers from the MLS, from many teams and from Inter Miami in particular. Lionel Messi himself has personally been interested in the possibility (of Modric joining).”

The Herons face both The Fire and FC Cincinnati this week, while Argentina will want their captain for two 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The latest evidence? Average ticket prices on StubHub for Charlotte FC’s match on Oct. 21 against Inter Miami are selling for an average of $281, the company told CBJ last week. That’s more than five times the cumulative average sales price of $52 for the rest of Charlotte FC’s home schedule thus far.

Lionel Messi’s game status is unknown as a sellout crowd of 61,500 is expected at Soldier Field for Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire on Wednesday