Messi and wife Antonela had to leave dog, Hulk, in Barcelona

The family headed stateside without their precious mutt when Messi signed for Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in July.

Hulk, who is a Bordeaux Mastiff, became a new addition to the Messi household in 2016.

When introducing his arrival at the time, Messi wrote on Instagram: "New member of my family. Thanks, love, for this beautiful gift."

Hulk was regularly seen in pictures and videos on Messi's Instagram, but nothing has been shared since 2021.

The decision to leave their dog behind was due to his health, given he is seven years old.

read more on lionel messi

Lionel Messi drops hint at next club with Inter Miami star already planning move

Is Messi fit to face Orlando City this weekend? Inter Miami star sparks fitness concern

Bordeaux Mastiff's usually live between five and eight years, with Messi and wife Antonela Roccuzzo opting against the cross-continent move due to the stress.

Instead, Hulk is being taken care of by staff at the family home located in Castelldefels, 12 miles away from the Camp Nou.

Argentinian comedian Migue Granados conducted an interview with the World Cup winner at Messi's home in Miami, and learned the news Hulk had remained in Catalonia.

"I asked him [Messi] where that bull was and he told me, 'He's in Barcelona, Hulk is there. He is a little old. So, we had to leave him in the house we have there in Barcelona," Granados explained on OLGA.

Most read in Football

Ratcliffe to revive Man United takeover, Sancho exiled, Newcastle's Barnes blow

Pochettino confirms co-owner Eghbali regularly enters Chelsea dressing room after games

Phil Jones confirms new plans after leaving Man United in summer

Jadon Sancho appears to deactivate Instagram page as Erik ten Hag row rumbles on

The family would visit their pampered pooch when Messi was plying his trade in Paris for PSG.

Although, given the seven-time Ballon d'Or is now 4,600 miles away in the USA, regular visits have since been hard to come by.