Hypothesis 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 time’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 Main League Soccer might depart him wanting top-level competitors.
Messi’s present contract expires on the finish of this yr however he’s broadly anticipated to decide to a minimum of one other 12 months in South Florida – and Miami are unlikely to face in his means if, as a part of the settlement, he decides to tune up for the World Cup elsewhere.
A Miami assertion, launched by way of Fabrizio Romano, learn: “Messi is underneath contract till the top of 2025 and the truth is that each events are fascinated by persevering with the connection.
“The required steps are being taken with the precise mindset to make it occur.”
A brief-term mortgage does seem to go well with all events however the place would Messi go? Right here, we look at the potential locations for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The picture of the Membership World Cup 🐐
Simply merely, Lionel Messi.
(📸 Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Pictures) pic.twitter.com/dFpGpTjKFB
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 30, 2025
Barcelona
The apparent selection however not with out issues.
Messi moved to Catalonia aged 13 and made Barcelona his dwelling, scoring 672 objectives in 778 video games. There isn’t any doubt he would love an emotional return earlier than retirement.
Nonetheless, it might must be on a massively lowered contract with Barcelona’s monetary state of affairs, though not as perilous because it was, remaining delicate.
Messi was prepared to take a pay lower 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 may afford no matter Messi needed however the Argentine admitted to being “sad each day” throughout his two-year stint on the Parc des Princes and it appears extremely unlikely he would wish to endure that once more.
It’s additionally unlikely PSG would wish to return to signing the likes of Messi given they’ve moved on underneath Luis Enrique, who has constructed a crew based mostly round hungry, youthful gamers.
Al-Hilal
Messi has labored as an envoy for the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority – a transfer that prompted criticism – but it surely stays unsure whether or not he would view the Professional League as an enormous step up from MLS.
The monetary facet definitely wouldn’t be an issue with Al-Hilal backed by the nation’s Public Funding Fund.
One final dance of Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo, who has simply renewed his contract with Al-Nassr, would definitely give Saudi the platform it craves.
Manchester Metropolis
Messi and Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola return a great distance.
And with the deposed Premier League champions having misplaced their sense of invincibility over the previous 12 months, the signing of Messi could be a serious sign of intent.
Whether or not Messi and his household would fancy a chilly, moist winter in northern England is one other query.
He could be field workplace within the self-titled ‘finest league on the earth’ and would generate an infinite buzz round England.
AC Milan
If Messi seeks counsel a couple of short-term mortgage in Europe he might flip to Miami co-owner David Beckham, who spent two spells with Milan whereas with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
His second was lower brief after he tore his Achilles, nonetheless, ruling him out of competition for a spot within the England squad for the 2010 World Cup.
Serie A is in determined want of a celebrity and Messi would match the invoice.