Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have been active in the ongoing winter transfer window, with the Herons already completing six player deals. However, the Major League Soccer (MLS) side has reportedly failed to add a 31-year-old to their squad this month.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Snubbed by MLS Attacker
According to The Athletic, Inter Miami had tabled an offer of $13 million to sign Los Angeles FC (LAFC) forward Denis Bouanga earlier in January. However, LAFC rejected the bid for the Gabon international, who is also believed to be unwilling to leave his current club.
Bouanga, who is reportedly seeking a new contract from LAFC, has cemented himself as one of the top performers in MLS since joining the club in August 2022. He was involved in a race for the 2025 MLS Golden Boot alongside Messi, who ultimately won.
The former Saint-Etienne and FC Lorient man found the back of the net 24 times in 31 MLS matches for LAFC in 2025. In comparison, the Argentina and Inter Miami captain scored 29 goals in just 28 league games for the Javier Mascherano-coached outfit last year.
So far, Bouanga has registered 101 goals and 42 assists in 152 total appearances for LAFC. His current contract at Marc Dos Santos’ outfit is set to run out in December 2027.
Meanwhile, according to the aforementioned report, Inter Miami is currently keeping tabs on Monterrey striker German Berterame as it looks to offer Luis Suarez a competitor.
Club Bosses Opens Up on ‘Dream’ Messi Return
During an interview with ESPN, newly appointed Newell’s Old Boys head coaches Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez stated that they hope to see Messi return to their club.
“Everyone at Newell’s Old Boys, including (me and Gomez), thinks it would be wonderful if he had the chance to play for his club and in his city,” Orsi commented.
Gomez added, “It would be a dream not only for our fans, but for the whole country.”
READ MORE: New Inter Miami Star Explains Decision To Join Lionel Messi’s Side
Messi, who will turn 39 this June, began his youth career in his hometown of Rosario before joining Newell’s Old Boys’ academy in 1995. The Argentine superstar honed his talent in his hometown club’s youth setup before joining La Liga side Barcelona in 2000.
However, a potential return to Newell’s Old Boys for the 38-year-old is unlikely, as he has a contract with Inter Miami until December 2028. But the player could decide to seal a move closer to his home nation after announcing his international retirement.
