Lionel Messi: Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner weighs up potential move
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Where next for Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi’s two-year spell at Paris St Germain ended in a 3-2 home defeat to Clermont Foot at the weekend.
An option to extend his stay with the Ligue 1 champions has not been activated with the Argentina World Cup winner heavily linked with a return to Barcelona, although he does have other alternatives.
We look at where the 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d’Or winner might go next.
Inter Miami
Co-owned by David Beckham, Inter Miami are now reportedly in pole position to bring the World Cup winner to the United States.
It is understood the Florida side have pulled out all the stops to sign Messi, tying up with various MLS partners like Apple.
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A deal in principle has now reportedly been agreed that will see Messi become Major League Soccer’s highest-profile signing and highest-paid player in history.
Messi, who has a home in Miami, has spoken in the past of wanting to play in America and the lifestyle in Florida – which has a large Hispanic community – would appeal. He would, however, again have to accept his days at the very highest level are over and also have to accept a significant pay cut.
Barcelona
Considering Messi never really wanted to leave and was effectively forced out as the club’s financial problems meant they could not afford to renew his contract, due to wage cap issues, a return to his spiritual home in Catalonia, the Nou Camp seems the obvious choice.
Even last summer, club president Joan Laporta said it was the club’s responsibility to “find a moment to fix that chapter” so it has “a more beautiful ending”. However, despite losing the long-serving Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba off the wage bill for next season, the club still have to cut costs to satisfy LaLiga and that remains a huge stumbling block.
Al Hilal
Messi was reportedly being offered a deal worth 400m euros (£343.5m) per year to move to Saudi Arabia, but Al Hilal are now thought to be out of the running.
Welcome to Saudi Arabia, #Messi! 🙌
From The Red Sea to historic Jeddah, the adventure of a lifetime awaits.💚 to welcome the international soccer star. #VisitSaudi pic.twitter.com/XHHTe9hwXp
— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) May 10, 2022
He is also an ambassador for the Gulf kingdom’s tourist authority, and was handed a two-week suspension by PSG early last month for taking an unauthorised trip there.
However, a report from Goal said Messi has asked Al-Hilal to delay his move until 2024 which would allow him to play for another season elsewhere.
Manchester City
It seems slightly more fanciful for Messi to consider a reunion with his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. While that move would be based on mutual respect and emotional ties, it could be argued Messi needs the all-conquering Premier League champions, who could win a treble if they beat Inter Milan in Saturday’s Champions League final, more than City do.
Moments like this! 🥹💙 pic.twitter.com/0pUuIapWYw
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 5, 2023
They are probably the only English club who could afford him but it is debatable whether they would want to invite that extra scrutiny, with more than 100 Premier League charges regarding financial fair play already hanging over them.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
