Philippe Coutinho’s intriguing reaction to Lionel Messi reunion speculation amid MLS & Inter Miami interest

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a potential move to Inter Miami, a speculation fueled by the presence of former Barcelona teammates Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba at Chase Stadium.

Philippe Coutinho On Reuninon With Lionel Messi
Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The Brazilian midfielder has been linked with a move to Inter Miami, a speculation not unexpected considering the presence of former Barcelona teammates Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba at Chase Stadium.

Although no transfer materialized for Coutinho ahead of the 2024 season, the possibility remains open in the future. When questioned about the rumours connecting him to a move to join Messi in the United States, Coutinho told SPORT, “I only think about the moment. I want to be well, prepare well, play good games, enjoy football. We never know what will happen in the future. My name always appears in the newspapers where they speak in every way, good and bad. I try not to look at them and I’m just worried about doing my job well and enjoying it.”

Since his arrival at Camp Nou in 2018 alongside Messi and his former teammates, Coutinho has experienced a significant decline and is currently on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail from Aston Villa. When asked if he regrets his high-profile transfer to Barcelona, Coutinho responded, “Do I regret joining Barça? No. At no time. Things didn’t go as I imagined, as people expected, as I expected because I am the first to demand more of myself on the field, I tell myself that I have to give more etc. I tried everything, I have always been very professional and I do not regret anything. It was always my dream to play for Barca. I enjoyed it, I was able to meet many people, and win titles and it will always be in the history of my life. What would I change from my time at Barca? Nothing. I wouldn’t change anything. Going back is impossible, but as I said I don’t regret anything. I always did my best in training, as I do here and as I did last year and as I will do next year. If things fit well, perfect and if not, patience.”

Instead of pursuing Coutinho before the start of the 2024 MLS season, Inter Miami addressed the loss of Facundo Farias to a season-ending injury by securing the potential of 21-year-old Argentine midfielder Federico Redondo.

Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho Correia

Forwarder, Midfielder

BrazilBrazil

Age: 32

172 cm

68 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 11 6 Missed
Minutes 721 65.5 Avg
Goals 2 0.2 Avg
Assist 1 0.1 Avg
Attempt 20 1.8 Avg
Passes 387 35.276.0% AvgSucc
Yellow 0 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 7 times for 504 minutes for Premier League.

Philippe Coutinho scored 2 goals for Al Duhail. He procured no assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 6th in Premier League. In the last match Al Duhail drew 2-2 against Al Arabi.

Al Duhail performance and stats

Al Duhail

Manager: Christophe Galtier
Rank 6th
Win 6
Draw 4
Loss 7
Goals 32-34
Diff -2
This season

Al Duhail is currently 6th in the Premier League with 18 points.

In the last 13 games, it has won 5 times, drawn 3 times, and lost 5 times. In its last match, Al Duhail drawn 2-2 against Al Arabi.​​

It has a even goal difference after scoring 27 goals and conceding 27.​

Al Duhail will play the next match in Premier League against Al Mu’aidar on Thursday 15th of February in Shanghai.​

Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini

Forwarder, Midfielder

ArgentinaArgentina

Age: 37

170 cm

72 kg

Season 2024
Played 3 3 Missed
Minutes 270 90.0 Avg
Goals 3 1.0 Avg
Assist 1 0.3 Avg
Attempt 11 3.7 Avg
Passes 159 53.086.0% AvgSucc
Yellow 0 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total twice for 180 minutes for Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami drew 1-1 against LA Galaxy.

Inter Miami performance and stats

Inter Miami

Manager: Gerardo Martino
Rank 2nd
Win 3
Draw 1
Loss 2
Goals 13-9
Diff 4
This season

Inter Miami is currently 1st in the Major League Soccer with 4 points.

In the last 2 games, it has won once and drawn once. In its last match, Inter Miami drawn 1-1 against LA Galaxy.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 3 goals and conceding 1.​