Iniesta camp responds to claims he's coming out of retirement to join Messi

20 July 2023 , 18:58

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Andres Iniesta has been linked with a move to Inter Miami after he departed Japanese team Vissel Kobe earlier in the summer (Image: Hiroki Watanabe/Getty Images)

Andres Iniesta's camp has responded to speculation that the former Camp Nou hero could join the growing ex-Barcelona contingent at Inter Miami.

The veteran midfielder departed Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe in the middle of the team's season this summer after making just four J-League appearances in his sixth and final campaign for the club. The World Cup winner was resolute in his desire to potentially postpone hanging up his boots, however, despite his advancing years.

Now 39-years-old, the legendary maestro — who won four Champions League trophies and nine La Liga titles during his glittering career with the Blaugrana — was coy on where his future would lie when asked back in May. Speaking at a press conference, Iniesta explained that he was keeping his options open, saying: "I have to tell you the truth, I don't know.

"I want to keep playing football. I feel like I am capable of still playing. But as this chapter closes, we'll see what's possible. I want to finish my career on the pitch playing, and this is what I'm hoping to do."

Since the arrival of no less than three former Barcelona heroes at MLS franchise Inter Miami during the league's summer transfer window, speculation has abounded that the 133-time Spain international would join his ex-teammates in Florida. The blockbuster move of Lionel Messi to the Sunshine State has dominated the headlines in recent months but the signings of midfield metronome Sergio Busquets and Spain captain Jordi Alba also represent major acquisitions for the ambitious club.

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On top of these signings, the Herons have also brought in former Barca boss Tata Martino as head coach, with the Argentinian having managed at the Catalonian giants during the 2013-14 season. He has replaced former Lionesses coach Phil Neville at the helm and will be expected to help spark a resurgence in fortunes for the team in the coming months.

The plan of Vice City co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas to effectively create a 'dream team' at DRV PNK Stadium is now coming together nicely, it seems. This said, sources close to Iniesta have told Spanish media outlet SPORT that a deal for the decorated midfielder is not on the table as things stand.

Lionel Messi was officially unveiled as an Inter Miami player on Sunday (Arturo Jimenez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Of course, with both Messi and Busquets currently occupying Designated Player (DP) slots within the MLS club's ranks, this would mean that the franchise would only have one more space available for a star earning in excess of the league's salary cap. However, at the moment former Atlanta United marksman Josef Martinez is taking up Miami's third and final slot in this regard.

It is possible that the Venezuelan could hypothetically be moved onto a regular contract, if a re-negotiation could be struck or could be moved on. However, if none of these scenarios can be achieved, this would mean that Iniesta would need to sign onto a regular deal within the salary cap.

Household names have signed with MLS on non-DP contracts before in the cases of Gareth Bale and Ashley Cole but links with fellow former Barcelona ace Luis Suarez — another potential DP — may mean that any prospective deal is complicated further. The MLS summer transfer window is open until August 2.

Tom Beattie