Premier League stage has once again seen the name Lionel Messi. Reports that Liverpool is considering a short-term loan using the U.S. Major League Soccer break have caused a big stir.
Liverpool World reported on the 4th (Korea time) that Liverpool FC is considering a plan to loan Lionel Messi on a short-term basis before the 2026 MLS transfer.
According to the report, Liverpool is focused on the schedule in which MLS opens in mid-February. The plan is to loan Lionel Messi, who currently belongs to Inter Miami CF, for about four to five weeks for use, then return him to the United States in time for the season opener. The short loan period is judged to carry relatively less burden regarding player overuse or long-term gaps.
Liverpool World noted that Messi's prime may be over, but analyzed that under the special condition of a short-term loan he would be sufficiently competitive. It was assessed as a choice focused on maximizing experience and symbolism during a short period.
Behind this discussion is the precedent known as the Beckham rule. In the summer of 2007, David Beckham, who left Real Madrid and joined LA Galaxy, wanted to maintain match sharpness in Europe during MLS's break from January to March, and accordingly went on a short-term loan to AC Milan. He later put on the Milan jersey once more and repeated the same approach.
Considering this precedent, it is not an impossible scenario for star players in MLS, not just Messi, to consider returning to Europe during the break. In fact, ahead of this winter's transfer market, the possibility of short-term moves by MLS stars was repeatedly raised.
Son Heung-min was also once mentioned as possibly returning to Tottenham, but he drew the line himself. He said it is his belief to do his best for the team he belongs to and made clear the transfer rumors were not true. With that remark, the Son Heung-min variable was settled for now.
Messi's choice is not yet known. However, the situation could change if huge loan fee offers and aggressive courting continue. If Messi were to don a Liverpool uniform, it would mark his first time stepping onto the English Premier League stage in his playing career.
With MLS entering its winter break, European clubs' short-term loan plans are resurfacing. Attention is focused on whether Liverpool's bold approach will remain just a rumor or lead to another historic moment.
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