Today's MLS rumors include the news that Inter Miami is preparing to sign Lionel Messi before loaning him out to Barcelona. Also, Jose Cifuentes is set to leave LAFC for Rangers and Luis Amarilla is to depart Minnesota United for FC Mazatlan.
MLS rumors: Inter Miami's Lionel Messi plan
There has been a lot of speculation as to where Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi's next destination will be. Rumors of him going to Saudi Arabia have been circulating whilst a return to Barcelona has also been talked about. L'Equipe has reported that "the Catalan club plans to team up with Inter Miami to successfully bring Lionel Messi back on loan."
The plan would be for Miami to sign Messi before sending him on loan to Barcelona. The move makes sense as Messi still wants to continue in Europe, as he is going to continue to play for Argentina. Messi has shown that he can still play at the highest level this season where he has scored 16 goals and made 16 assists for PSG in Ligue 1.
However, the Herons will have to wait until Messi will actually be able to play for them. This would not be good as they would be effectively paying for him to play for Barca. Miami would get him eventually which would be huge but short term the deal would be very strange.
When David Beckham was at LA Galaxy, he was sent on loan twice to AC Milan to help get him back into the England team. The Miami owner would be able to relate to Messi's situation, so will probably be willing to accommodate the plan to loan him to Barca.
MLS rumors: Jose Cifuentes' to Rangers
Jose Cifuentes played for Los Angeles FC in their 2-1 defeat to Club Leon in the CONCACAF Champions League final last night. LAFC still have the return leg at the Banc of California Stadium to turn the tie around.
Cifuentes has been linked with a move to the Scottish side Rangers for some time now but it appears the reason for the delay has been the Champions League final. The Ecuadorian media outlet Mr OFFSIDER has revealed that he will sign for the Gers after the match with Leon.
The midfielder has been instrumental for Steve Cherundolo's side and it will be exciting to see how he gets on in Europe.
MLS rumors: Luis Amarilla to FC Mazatlan
Minnesota United have recently been linked with signing Teemu Pukki. If this rumor is true it will be good to see that the club are planning for the future as they are set to lose Luis Amarilla.
According to Tom Bogert "Minnesota United finalizing a deal to transfer forward Luis Amarilla to FC Mazatlan. The deal would open up a DP spot for Minnesota. The club intends to add a forward this summer."
Pukki who is now 33 still managed 10 goals in the Championship last season. The Finnish forward brings with him a wealth of experience and should be a good fit for Minnesota.