The forward ascended to his talismanic status during his time at the Nou Camp, having scored a staggering 672 goals across a glittering, trophy-laden spell.

But a sensational return to Catalonia failed to materalise despite extensive talks being held, with Messi later admitting a host of aspects of the deal were missing.

The superstar had departed his boyhood club in 2021 before joining Paris Saint-Germain.

He also claimed he was determined to make an early decision over his future and did not want Barcelona to offload players to make his transfer financially viable.

In a further blow, any hope of both parties reuniting in the near future has been dashed, with Inter Miami waving away the proposal due to their hectic schedule.

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the request was rebuffed because the MLS outfit would not have had time to prepare as a result of their Leagues Cup commitments.

Nevertheless, Messi may not have been able to feature regardless.

The same outlet have claimed that the friendly would have been pencilled in shortly after the conclusion of the Copa America, which Messi will contest with Argentina.

Messi came close to returning to the Nou Camp after leaving PSG but opted for MLS instead.

Xavi will not be able to pit his side against Messi but plans for a tour of the States are underway.

The short turnaround, therefore, may have seen the veteran rested instead.

Barcelona will return to the United States this year with dates yet to be decided, but the club may delay the tour to first welcome back players from international duty.

Last year, the Blaugrana spent over a fortnight in the US, with Xavi’s side staying in Los Angeles for 10 days before embarking on trips to Dallas and Las Vegas.

It is said that they are planning to establish a headquarters from which they would travel to friendlies, with the Inter Miami campus previously road tested in 2022.

Reportedly, Barcelona may stop off in Orlando and New York this summer.