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The future of World Cup winner Lionel Messi remains uncertain as speculation intensifies over
an imminent departure from Paris Saint-Germain. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has had
an impressive run at the Ligue 1 club since joining in 2021 and is enjoying another successful
domestic campaign netting 18 goals so far this season.
But with PSG struggling in Europe once again and contract negotiations hitting a brick wall, there is perhaps no better time to look
elsewhere. The Argentinian’s two-year contract with the French club expires in June and despite
Sporting Director Luis Campos making his intentions clear to keep hold of his star man, some
big names are still keeping a watchful eye on developments at the Parc de Princes. Speculation
of Messi’s Parisian farewell has intensified since former employers Barcelona and MLS outfit
Inter Miami emerged as the most interested parties.
However, they are not the only big names itching to secure Messi’s signature. But will he stay to continue the hunt for European glory? Or
will he carve out another historic chapter in his footballing legacy? Here’s a look at five of the
potential options for Messi this summer.
Staying put in the French capital
While the rumours seem to suggest that Messi is set on moving away instead of renewing his
contract for another year, there is still a strong possibility he remains at the French club. PSG
are the favourites to be the club Messi plays for next season with odds of 1/9 according to
odds across betting sites.
His current deal allows him an option to extend his time in Paris until the
summer of 2024 and objectively there are fewer better options available to him in world football.
It’s true the Parisians underperformed in this year’s Champions League, but just take a quick
glance at their squad and you’ll realise they’re still one of the best shots he’s got of adding
another Champions League title to the ledger.
And it goes without saying that he can still make a massive impact in one of Europe’s top leagues as the last two years have clearly
demonstrated. 60 goal contributions in his 65 appearances for the club is not a bad return and
he seems to have settled well since a tumultuous departure from his Catalonian roots. Is there
much reason to seek out another potentially disruptive summer move when he’s still playing
some of his best football? PSG fans will certainly be hoping he sees it that way.
A remarkable return
Barcelona is where Messi made his name. Revered as an all-time great with a gargantuan tally
of 672 goals in his 778 appearances for the Catalonian giants, it would be foolish to rule out a
glorious homecoming for the Argentinian. Of course, a return to his beloved FC Barcelona
would be the fairytale ending to Messi’s incredible career and he was very clear when departing
in the summer of 2021 that
he did not want to go.
There is little doubt that if he could, Xavi would move heaven and earth to involve his former teammate in his revolution at Camp Nou.
However, Barcelona’s current financial situation is well-documented and concessions would
have to be made by either player or club if the Argentinian star is to return. Either way, it’s hard
to detach from the romance of their greatest ever player returning to add more honours to his 35
trophies with Barca.
Taking his talents down to South Beach
It wasn’t that long ago Messi was reported to be close to a deal with David Beckahm’s Inter
Miami that would have made him the highest-paid player in the history of MLS. At the time, the
speculation was dampened as Messi sought to concentrate on the World Cup instead of
ongoing contract negotiations; a decision that clearly paid dividends.
Still, there is clear interest between these two parties, as reports continued to trickle out about the link between them over
the past 12 months, and now that the World Cup is in the rear-view mirror, it’s not farfetched to
think that discussions might pick up where they left off soon enough. The Argentine has
previously stated his desire to play in the MLS in his career and he already has a home in
Miami.
Countryman Gonzalo Higuain can attest to Inter’s hospitality, Messi already has a home
out in Miami and with state of the art facilities at their disposal, it looks a perfect fit if he were to
make the move Stateside.
Follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps
After the Portuguese sensation’s disastrous Manchester United exit, the 37-year-old made the
move (following plenty of monetary motivation) to play his football in the kingdom of Saudi
Arabia. The lavish transfer to Al-Nassr demonstrated the state’s willingness to splurge millions
in the hopes of luring the world’s top stars to their league, and it wouldn’t be too surprising to
see Messi follow suit. Rumour has it that
should the Argentine head to Saudi Arabia it would be to play Al-Nassr’s rival club, Al-Hilal
on an eye-watering contract of £250million a year.
That is a ridiculous sum of money and would be hard to turn down for anyone. Saudi Arabia have
ambitions to host the 2030 World Cup and they would love to lay claim to the two most iconic
players on the planet as ambassadors for their bid.
A boyhood dream come true
It’s easy to see past the more heartfelt options amongst all the talk of European giants, major
trophies and big money contracts, but the opportunity to revisit his roots is a story that has
blasted through the rhetoric. Five years ago Messi was outspoken about his desire to return
home and reignite a team with a long and storied history in Argentinian football.
The move would undoubtedly boost the profile of domestic football in his country and he is already
scheduled to play there this summer for a friendly in honour of his friend and former national
team-mate Maxi Rodriguez. Further fuel was added to the fire when former International
teammate and friend Sergio Aguero let it slip that Messi is seriously considering the move.
Whether he is willing to take such a drastic pay-cut to play for his first club is yet to be seen, but
Newell’s Old Boys is where his story began and there would be no better bookend than the club
where it all started.
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