“Analyzing Lionel Messi’s possible transfer destinations: A breakdown of his three options”

Lionel Messi’s Possible Transfer Options

Lionel Messi finally ends his two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after the 2022/23 football season. His final match with PSG was marked with whistles from supporters as the club lost 3-2 against Clermont in Ligue 1. Relations between Messi and PSG had been strained, making the news of his departure unsurprising. With this, Messi’s potential destinations are being discussed – from a possible move to Saudi Arabia to a nostalgic comeback with his former club Barcelona, and even a shift to the USA.

Al Hilal

One potential destination for Messi is Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s most competitive club. Messi has been associated with Saudi Arabia frequently in the past as he became a tourism ambassador for the country in 2022. He has even posted pictures of his family spending time in Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal is reportedly willing to offer Messi £345m per season to play for them, a sum that is much larger than Ronaldo’s reported £175m contract with Al-Nassr.

The move makes sense as Al-Hilal desires to follow in the steps of Cristiano Ronaldo and to become a hub of elite sports globally. Kevin Garside, i’s chief sport correspondent, writes that “Messi and Ronaldo are trip switches that connect us immediately with Saudi Arabia.” Their association with Saudi Arabia creates a public relations opportunity for the country, making anti-Qatari sentiment around the World Cup less prevalent.

However, some are questioning whether the move is worthwhile with allegations of corruption around the bidding process, anti-LGBT+ laws, male guardianship, public executions, as well as the ill-treatment of imported labor are issues within the country.

Barcelona

A homecoming to Barcelona seems like a romantic option for Messi and his fans, as it would signify his return to a renowned football club that he had to leave in 2021 due to their financial issues. Along with La Liga’s salary restrictions, these issues stopped Barcelona from retaining him. Lionel Messi made it clear that leaving Barcelona was not his own volition. Conversely, returning to Barcelona, this time around, could present another challenge, as it may induce Barcelona to reduce its budget while adding the highest-paid footballer in the world. The club may have a challenging financial situation, and this move might stretch them more profoundly.

Despite the financial issues, Xavi, a former Barcelona player and Messi’s teammate, is eager to reunite with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Unsurprisingly, he has made little secret of his desire to be reunited with Messi. If Messi decides to return to Barcelona, the club must make sacrifices for his contract to be approved.

Inter Miami

Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, might be a feasible option for Messi. Life might be appealing for him in Florida, where he purchased a condo last year. Gonzalo Higuain, a former teammate of Messi at Barcelona and Argentina, became Inter Miami’s first marquee player acquisition. Even though Higuain retired, three Argentines remain on the club’s current roster.

However, any hopes of Messi’s link-up with former Manchester United defender Phil Neville were extinguished when Neville was fired by Inter Miami’s co-owner, David Beckham, last week. Nonetheless, if Messi chooses MLS, Inter Miami would likely be his top pick, particularly if his former Barcelona and Argentina coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, replaces Neville. Inter Miami is struggling in the MLS’ eastern conference, and unlike Al-Hilal, it cannot match Messi’s revenue expectations.

Final Thoughts

With Lionel Messi’s departure from PSG and his potential transfer options, there are many things to consider. While money is a significant factor, the club’s culture, fans, and current team dynamics will also play an influential role in Messi’s final decision. Thus, it remains to be seen where Lionel Messi will land next season.