Inter Miami’s chances of reaching the MLS play-offs came to a shuddering halt after losing to Cincinnati on Saturday night.
It means it is mathematically impossible for the club to reach the latter stage of the season, while they currently sit 14th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference.
With the MLS season set to end later this month, there had been a suggestion that Messi could return to Europe to maintain his fitness.
As a result, Barcelona has been tipped as a potential destination, but Miami boss Martino has played down the rumours.
“Is he going for fun? Maybe he’s going to visit Barcelona,” he said while speaking in Spanish.
“Other than that, I don’t know anything else about it.”
Any chance of a move to Barcelona would have to wait until January, however, as the transfer window has not shut.
Messi joined the Blaugrana as a 13-year-old and went on to become a club legend and arguably their greatest-ever player.
Barca boss Xavi has already stated in the past he would love to sign the World Cup winner, who he played with at the Nou Camp.
“I told the president that Messi return makes sense,” Xavi told Catalan publication Sport in May this year.
“No doubts at all, he is perfect for our system and idea. I’ve the tactical plan in mind with Leo.
“It’s up to Leo. I think he has to decide, it’s up to him… I’m speaking with Leo, yes.”
That was before Messi decided to make the move to the United States after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of last season.
And the Argentina international has been in sensational form since signing for Inter Miami, scoring 11 in 13 games.
However, even t he powers of Messi could not revive the MLS franchise, who were bottom of the league upon his arrival.
The 36-year-old is idolised at Barcelona, where he scored 474 goals in 520 appearances across all competitions.
That also includes winning 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana cups, four Champions League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups.
Source: talkSPORT
