Anfield club is considering an ambitious loan deal for Messi to help the superstar maintain his peak form ahead of the World Cup.
Liverpool are considering what could be the most sensational transfer in Premier League history: bringing Lionel Messi to Anfield on a short-term loan. According to Spanish newspaper SPORT, this move comes as the Argentine superstar wants to return to Europe to maintain his peak form ahead of the World Cup.
The desire to maintain peak performance ahead of the World Cup.
The main reason this transfer is feasible lies in the Major League Soccer (MLS) schedule. Currently, MLS is in its preseason and will only resume at the end of February. For a player whose top priority is defending his World Cup title with the Argentine national team next summer, a prolonged break from playing is considered a risk to his fitness and form.
The fiercely competitive environment of the Premier League will be the perfect test for Messi to maintain his best form. Although no longer at his peak physical condition, the class of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still undeniable. He needs a temporary club to maintain his rhythm before returning to the US to play officially.
The change in The Kop’s transfer philosophy.
In the past, Liverpool pursuing a star who was past his prime was almost unthinkable under FSG’s philosophy. However, developments in the 2026 transfer market suggest that the Merseyside club is undergoing significant changes in its strategic thinking.
The Rousing The Kop website argues that this scenario is not entirely unrealistic. The current manager’s squad lacks a highly creative and impactful player in midfield and on the wings. The arrival of Messi, even if only for six months, could provide a significant boost, both professionally and mentally, to the Anfield team’s title race.
Lessons from the David Beckham precedent
The return of MLS superstars to Europe to play during the break is nothing new. The clearest example is David Beckham, who twice joined AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in 2009 and 2010 to secure a place in the England national team.
For the Messi transfer, the biggest obstacle is undoubtedly the financial aspect and the agreement from Inter Miami. While Liverpool is capable of paying his enormous salary in the short term, the benefit to the American team of letting their star player leave before the new season remains questionable. However, if Messi himself expresses a desire to leave to pursue his World Cup ambitions, Inter Miami might facilitate the move.
While awaiting further developments regarding the Messi transfer, Inter Miami is actively upgrading its squad after winning the 2025 MLS Cup to prepare for more ambitious goals in the new season.