Flash Football News: Messi to Return to Barcelona, Earthquake Before Naples-Real, Manchester United Takeover

Here’s the latest football news for October 3rd:

**1. Messi Returning to Barça:** The Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team co-owned by Messi’s friend and business partner Jorge Mas, has made a promise to Messi’s fans. Inter Miami has committed to allowing Lionel Messi to make a farewell appearance at Barcelona, giving him the opportunity to once again step onto the hallowed Camp Nou turf. Messi, who spent the majority of his illustrious career at Barcelona, couldn’t bid a proper farewell due to the unexpected nature of his departure. Club President Jorge Mas discussed Messi’s desire, saying, « Messi’s departure from Barcelona did not go as he wished, and he couldn’t say goodbye to his childhood club in the way he had hoped. » Mas went a step further, pledging to fulfill Messi’s sincere wish. He assured Messi, « I’ve given him my commitment that I will do everything possible in the coming years to give him the opportunity to bid farewell to his fans in Barcelona. » While the details of this emotional reunion are not yet finalized, Jorge Mas has hinted at the possibilities, saying, « Inter Miami will go to Barcelona, or we will organize some kind of match. »

**2. Manchester United Takeover:** According to information from the English media outlet Sky Sport, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a billionaire in the petrochemical industry and the head of INEOS, is now contemplating the purchase of a minority stake in the British football club Manchester United. The Manchester United takeover is still not finalized. Nearly a year after the start of negotiations, it seems to be hitting roadblocks despite offers from Qataris and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the petrochemical billionaire and INEOS chairman. The magnate is now considering investing a smaller portion of the club rather than acquiring full majority control. INEOS has, therefore, proposed a deal to the Glazer family, allowing them to sell portions of their shares, including those listed on the New York Stock Exchange, in equal proportions. According to the latest reports, Sir Jim might seek to acquire approximately 25% of Manchester United’s shares as part of this new proposal.

**3. Naples-Real Madrid Match Amid Earthquake:** The match between Real Madrid and Naples will not be canceled despite a recent earthquake. A magnitude 4 earthquake on the Richter scale shook the Campi Flegrei region near Naples on Monday night, which was the second quake recorded in the region since September 27th. This raised concerns about the Napoli vs. Real Madrid match scheduled for tonight at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium as part of the second matchday of the Champions League. However, as of now, local authorities have not made the decision to postpone the game.