5 Clubs Lionel Messi Could Join Next As Rumours Circulate Over His PSG Future
- Lionel Messi is reportedly considering not renewing his contract with PSG
- The 35-year-old forward's current deal will expire at the end of the season
- Sports Brief analyses the possible destinations for the Argentine genius
Lionel Messi is reportedly set to part ways with the French giants at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 35-year-old forward’s current deal with PSG runs out at the end of the season, but so far the Ligue 1 giants have apparently failed to convince him to pen a new deal.
According to Sportskeeda, winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in December has made Messi consider his options regarding his future with PSG.
Source: Twitter
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has reportedly received offers from across Europe and will study them soon, before making a decision on his future.
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With a number of teams ready to scramble for the services of Messi, Sports Brief assesses five possible destinations for the 2022 World Cup Golden Ball winner...
Al Hilal
Al Hilal is a top club in Saudi Arabia. They have offered to continue the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.
By so doing, Al Hilal are willing to splash a mega $300million per year deal to lure Messi to join Ronaldo in the Saudi Arabian topflight.
The proposed move by the Blue Waves Royal Club will make the Argentine phenomenon the highest-paid athlete in the history of football, topping the $215million currently being paid to Ronaldo by Al Nassr.
Al Hilal are Al Nassr’s biggest rivals in the Middle East.
Inter Miami
Lionel Messi could be on the verge of moving to the USA after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain runs out at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 35-year-old Argentine superstar is currently on the radar of MLS club Inter Miami, who are set to rival PSG for the signature of the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Inter Miami are increasingly confident they can sign Messi as discussions between the two parties have 'been going on for years'.
Inter Miami owners, Jorge and Jose Mas alongside David Beckham, are leading the negotiations and numerous meetings have taken place with Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi.
Barcelona
Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Lionel Messi after reportedly meeting with the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s representatives this week in Spain.
The Catalan giants are looking to re-sign Messi who left Camp Nou after 17 years to sign for PSG following the Catalans’ inability to renew his contract.
According to Football Espana, a meeting between both parties occurred in the Gracia neighbourhood in Barcelona at the Botafumeiro restaurant, with three attendees present.
One of them was Alex Hernandez, the brother of Xavi, another was Rodrigo Messi, the brother of Lionel, and the third was Fernando Solanas, an expert in contracts and brand management.
With Messi set to become a free agent next summer, Barcelona are hoping to edge rivals Inter Miami and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign the Argentina captain.
Newell's Old Boys
A return to Newell's Old Boys could be on the cards. Messi started his career at the Argentine club, spending five years in the youth set-up. He reportedly scored over 100 goals for the youth team, before heading to Europe to sign for Barcelona.
Back in 2016, Messi told Telefe's Polemica en el Bar in an interview, per Sports Mole: "I would love to [return]. It is something I have kept an eye on because it was my dream as a child. I want to play in Argentine football and Newell's, where I grew up."
Manchester City
What about the GOAT playing in the Premier League? Well, only one person can convince him to ply his trade in England: Pep Guardiola.
Lionel Messi arguably played his best football under the stewardship of the current Manchester City gaffer.
He scored a staggering 211 goals in 219 appearances during Guardiola's stint at Camp Nou. In 2012, Messi rattled in an incredible 91 goals in 12 months under the Spaniard and is willing to team up with Guardiola in the Premier League.
Source: Sports Brief News