Speculation surrounding the way forward for Lionel Messi re-emerged yesterday after a report from ESPN Argentina claimed the Inter Miami star was contemplating a short-term mortgage to get him in peak situation for subsequent summer season’s World Cup.
Messi is intending to steer his nation within the defence of the title they received in Qatar however fears a four-month layoff over winter adopted by three months of Major League Soccer could depart him wanting top-level competitors.
Messi’s present contract expires on the finish of this yr however he’s extensively anticipated to decide to at the very least one other 12 months in South Florida – and Miami are unlikely to face in his manner if, as a part of the settlement, he decides to tune up for the World Cup elsewhere.
A Miami assertion, launched via Fabrizio Romano, learn: “Messi is below contract till the tip of 2025 and the fact is that each events are concerned with persevering with the connection.
“The needed steps are being taken with the appropriate mindset to make it occur.”
A brief-term mortgage does seem to go well with all events however the place would Messi go? Here, we study the potential locations for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The picture of the Club World Cup 🐐
Just merely, Lionel Messi.
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— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 30, 2025
Barcelona
The apparent alternative however not with out issues.
Messi moved to Catalonia aged 13 and made Barcelona his house, scoring 672 objectives in 778 video games. There is little doubt he would love an emotional return earlier than retirement.
However, it might must be on a massively diminished contract with Barcelona’s monetary scenario, though not as perilous because it was, remaining delicate.
Messi was keen to take a pay minimize previous to becoming a member of Paris Saint-Germain and it might be he would do the identical once more.
An advanced relationship with Barca president Joan Laporta would additionally must be overcome.
Paris Saint-Germain
Messi’s earlier membership and the brand new European champions.
PSG might afford no matter Messi wished however the Argentine admitted to being “sad every day” throughout his two-year stint on the Parc des Princes and it appears extremely unlikely he would need to endure that once more.
It’s additionally unlikely PSG would need to return to signing the likes of Messi given they’ve moved on below Luis Enrique, who has constructed a group primarily based round hungry, youthful gamers.
Al-Hilal
Messi has labored as an envoy for the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority – a transfer that prompted criticism – nevertheless it stays unsure whether or not he would view the Pro League as a large step up from MLS.
The monetary facet actually wouldn’t be an issue with Al-Hilal backed by the nation’s Public Investment Fund.
One final dance of Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo, who has simply renewed his contract with Al-Nassr, will surely give Saudi the platform it craves.
Manchester City
Messi and City boss Pep Guardiola return a good distance.
And with the deposed Premier League champions having misplaced their sense of invincibility over the previous 12 months, the signing of Messi can be a serious sign of intent.
Whether Messi and his household would fancy a chilly, moist winter in northern England is one other query.
He can be field workplace within the self-titled ‘finest league on the planet’ and would generate an infinite buzz round England.
AC Milan
If Messi seeks counsel a couple of short-term mortgage in Europe he could flip to Miami co-owner David Beckham, who spent two spells with Milan whereas with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
His second was minimize quick after he tore his Achilles, nonetheless, ruling him out of rivalry for a spot within the England squad for the 2010 World Cup.
Serie A is in determined want of a famous person and Messi would match the invoice.
