News that Lionel Messi wants to leave childhood club FC Barcelona, broken in the early hours of Wednesday morning, has spread across the globe faster than a wildfire and has stung Barcelona fans like a bee.
But with many potential suitors for the Argentinian magician, here are just three teams he could potentially join.
1. Manchester United
With United looking for another attacker to complete what would be one of England’s most lethal attacks, why not bring in Lionel Messi into the Theatre of Dreams, where he can perform artist pieces once every week or every couple of weeks?
Messi would not only bring even more weapons to an already lethal attack, which combined for 62 goals in all competitions last season, but he would also bring mentorship to those players, especially teenager Mason Greenwood, who only just broke through at the later end of the 2019-20 season.
It would be beneficial for him too, with United most likely having plenty of wage space – not as much as Barcelona, but it’d still be plenty – and would be coming to a young side which can potentially challenge Man City and Liverpool for the Premier League next season. But we’ll see soon enough.
(VI Images/Getty Images)
2. Manchester City
With City looking to bounce back after a pretty poor season by their extremely lofty standards, they’re looking to continue to potentially enhance an already fearsome attack. And if they get their hands on Messi, good luck trying to stop them.
With City scoring 303 goals (101 per season) across the last three seasons in the Premier League, Messi would increase that tally by a lot. In fact he’s scored 82 goals the last two seasons and assisted 47 in all competitions, including 21 assists in La Liga this season. Combine that with EPL player of the season Kevin De Bruyne – he had 16 goals and 23 assists in all tournaments – and that’s a potent attack.
And with Raheem Sterling coming off his best season in his career so far (31 goals and ten assists all comps), Sergio Aguero still getting better by age and with Bernardo Silva still very young and strong up front, Messi will see the appeal of joining a club like the Citizens.
3. Paris Saint-Germain
Coming off a tough break in what was a pretty dull Champions League final against Bayern Munich, could the Parisians steal another Argentinian and a former Barcelona player in the Magician himself?
It could really happen. And if it does, Paris Saint-Germain could finally get that elusive Champions League trophy, because this potential move would enhance an already lethal attack that comprises young superstar Kylian Mbappe, current superstar Neymar Jr, Argentinian Mauro Icardi and fellow countryman Angel Di Maria.
Financial fair play rules might come into play if he can’t leave for free, with PSG (along with Manchester City) potentially in a massive amount of trouble since they’ve both faced trouble from FFP regulations before. But he still could choose to go to the City of Love.
It will be very intriguing to see where possibly the greatest player of this generation will go if he really does leave. Still, he could potentially retire as a one-club player. However, he’s still at the peak of his powers and it looks like he’s enjoying football. But we shall see if he stays in the Catalonian capital or leaves to the North of England or to the capital of France.
Mark
Guest
The hard truth is that Barca would be better off bidding Messi a fond adieu and moving on. His wages are a noose around the club’s neck in the current economic climate, and once a player thinks they have a right of veto on boardroom decisions, coaching appointments, transfers, player selection and tactics, they are more trouble than they are worth. That Messi spat the dummy after being told by Koeman he would have to toe the line says it all.
Nick
Roar Guru
Yes, the middle east does suit his penchant to not want to pay tax.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
I am amused at how this story just gains 'legs'. Honestly, the guy has maybe 1 or 2 years left at the highest level. His style of play isn't suited to the EPL, and both the French and Italian leagues suit him more, not as physical and a lot more games when you can just stroll around and do the odd flick and shoot. No doubt the last decade has been his and the CR7's to brag about. We have been lucky to have seen him and Ronnie play, but if he wants to keep playing then France or Italy it will be, unless he wants a huge pay day, [tax free] then the Middle East might suit him.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Inter Miami might be interested. Suarez has been in dialogue with them and Messi too in the past. - https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/08/26/report-barcelona-star-luis-suarez-talking-inter-miami-cf
danwain
Roar Rookie
Those inter rumours have been around for years, think him ending up there is a safe bet
Brian
Guest
2 horse race between Man Cty and Inter Milan apprently
JGK
Roar Guru
Messi at Old Trafford might trigger some extra effort from Pogba as well.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Well, Messi's parents almost emmigrated to Australia and Ronaldo's grandparents live in Perth so with a bit of luck they might both end up in the A-League next season: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/world-cup/lionel-messis-parents-almost-emigrated-to-australia-but-would-he-have-been-the-star-he-is-now/news-story/d67855c97cb394b660abd768970d7989
Nick Symonds
Guest
Adelaide United have sent a letter to him: Writing a "Dear Lionel" letter after news Messi wanted to quit his long association with Barcelona, Adelaide United Director Ian Smith cited his state's "brilliant" schools, tourist attractions and world-class wines as reasons the Argentine should head Down Under. He also noted South Australia's success in containing the coronavirus pandemic which is still ravaging much of Europe, saying the state would be "safe for your young family". "While Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and others may be chasing your signature, wouldn't you really like to go somewhere different?" wrote Smith in the letter posted on the club's Facebook page. "Indeed, as a consumer of Penfolds Grange, one of the world's finest wines, we will find you a house in the suburb of Magill - It's just a free-kick away from Penfolds' award-winning Magill Estate restaurant, where you will have a regular table at your disposal," he said. - "We cannot offer you much in the form of financial compensation," Smith said, explaining that the pandemic had badly damaged his team's finances. "But, hey, let's not let that get in the way of something that promises to be very special; once you are here, you will be so happy and money will seem merely incidental," he said. - https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/football-dear-lionel-australian-team-try-to-entice-messi-down-under
Nick
Roar Guru
Guaranteed there will be at least one clickbait article somewhere that will say Messi just missed out on moving to Australia. And when you click on it, it will be because of the most obscure connection to Australia like "his managers' best mates wife's cousin is married to an Australian and suggested Brisbane Roar, which was then for unknown reasons not passed back to Messi, thus Australia missing out on his talents due to a communication mishap." I remember when there was an article suggesting Iniesta was going to move to Australia. Ha.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
"Where will Messi go?" To Melb City of course :laughing: