Inter Miami deny any talks with Barcelona for 2027 Gamper Trophy

Inter Miami have denied any talks with Barcelona about a possible Inter Miami appearance in the 2027 Joan Gamper Trophy, sources at the MLS club said, confirming that no formal or informal discussions have taken place as of now for the pre‑season event.

Speculation had suggested that Lionel Messi’s team could headline Barcelona’s traditional pre‑season fixture. The idea would have set the stage for the Argentine legend’s emotional return to the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou. A photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images illustrated the story.

Sources close to Inter Miami confirmed that no formal or informal conversations have taken place with Barcelona regarding the 2027 Gamper Trophy. There is no agreement, proposal, or ongoing dialogue that would see Inter Miami travel to Catalonia for the exhibition match. As things stand, the clubs have not exchanged any contact on the matter.

Lionel Messi’s affection for Barcelona and its supporters has never been questioned, but his relationship with the club’s current hierarchy is considered distant. The Argentine remains deeply attached to the club where he spent the majority of his career, yet his connections with the current board have cooled since his departure. Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, making the MLS club solely responsible for any decisions on future friendly matches.

Major League Soccer is scheduled to transition to a European‑style season beginning in the summer of 2027. The new format will run from late summer through to spring, aligning more closely with Europe’s major leagues. This calendar shift could influence the scheduling of international friendlies, including potential appearances in tournaments such as the Gamper Trophy, but any prospect remains a possibility rather than an active negotiation.