Messi rejects rumors he will leave Miami on loan after MLS playoffs failing

Lionel Messi has shot down the rumors that he will leave Inter Miami on loan once the Major League Soccer season completely concludes.

Messi had been linked with short term loan moves to Saudi Arabia and back to Barcelona in order to remain match fit for games with Argentina. However, it is now clear such transfers will not happen.

Miami failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs, although they did surprisingly win the inaugural Leagues Cup, meaning their season ends after Saturday's game against Charlotte FC.

'It's a shame [we didn't qualify]. We came very close. I missed the last few games, we had several injuries. The month of July was very hard for us, we played every three days, we traveled,' Messi said after Argentina's 2-0 win at Peru in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, where he scored both goals.

'But we won a tournament, which is important for the club and for what is coming next year.'

Messi went on to say he plans to play in Miami's final regular-season contest against Charlotte and will stay in the best shape he can in order to play for Argentina.

'I will train, I will play our upcoming match [against Charlotte FC] and I will try to get here [to the national team] in the best possible way for November,' said Messi.

'After that, I will enjoy the holidays in Argentina. It's the first time that I am going to have more days off in December, with the holidays, with peace of mind, with my people.

'In January, I will return again to do preseason. Start from scratch and prepare as best as possible as always.'

In November, defending World Cup champion Argentina has a pair of World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.

Had Inter Miami made the playoffs, Messi could have been faced with continued tight scheduling if the club had been able to make a run to the MLS Cup final.

Messi has one goal and two assists in five MLS regular-season matches (three starts) since joining Miami. In 13 games across all competitions for the club, Messi has 11 goals and eight assists.