Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are ready to battle Al-Hilal for the services of Barcelona midfielder Pablo Torre, according to Pasion Futbol (via Inter Miami News). The Spaniard has struggled for game time under Hansi Flick this season, registering three goals from nine games across competitions.
However, only four of them were starts and Torre is a long way down the pecking order with the Catalans. Flick is apparently ready to let him leave on loan in January, to help him gather much needed first team football.
The Herons are keeping a close eye on the situation and are ready to target the 21-year-old. Inter Miami have a strong core group of former Barcelona players at the Chase Stadium.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are first team regulars at the club, while, new manager Javier Mascherano is a former Catalans player as well. As such, Torre will feel right at home with a move to Florida.
The Herons recently lost Diego Gomez to Brighton & Hove Albion and are eager to address the position. Torre could be a fine choice for the role and has the quality to excel with the MLS side.
A loan move in January will suit Barcelona, as it would aid in the player’s development. If the Spaniard is successful with Inter Miami, they could even consider a permanent transfer next summer, given that his contract expires in 2026.
Which Barcelona player reminds Lionel Messi of himself?
Lionel Messi recently named Lamine Yamal as the player who reminds him of a younger version of himself. The Argentinean rose through the ranks at Barcelona, and went on to conquer the world.
The 37-year-old had to leave Camp Nou in 2021 after the Catalans failed to hand him a new deal. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) that summer and then joined Inter Miami in 2023.
Speaking to Nigerian artist Goke Oyewo, Lionel Messi also added that Yamal has a huge future ahead of him.
“If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I’ve heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and without doubt [it’s him] for me, too. I agree it depends on him and many things because that’s how soccer is, but he’s the present and without a doubt has a huge future,” said Lionel Messi (via ESPN).
Yamal has registered six goals and 12 assists from 20 games for Barcelona this season.