Lionel Messi is reportedly set to return to Barcelona after his stint in Paris, and on Monday his father and agent, Jorge Messi, met with the president of the Catalan club, Joan Laporta, at the latter’s home. While rumors abound that Saudi Arabia may be the destination for the Argentine star, the summit between Messi’s father and Laporta on Monday caught everyone off guard, although little is known at the moment whether there was any type of agreement. Not even Jorge Messi gave too many details of the meeting, although he made it clear what the desire of the World Cup winner in Qatar is. “He would love to return, of course,” Messi briefly told Spanish journalists who cornered him at the end of the meeting.
In short, the footballer’s father made it clear that the player and the family intend to return to Barcelona, where they have lived since they arrived at the club when Lionel was just a teenager. “He would love to return,” reiterated Messi’s representative. Jorge Messi also declined to confirm whether the Spanish League had finally approved the financial viability plan for Barcelona to hire his son. “We spoke the other day (with Laporta), but nothing concrete. There is nothing yet,” he said.
News is still developing, but this potential move has prompted speculation about where Messi’s career may end. Here are five possible destinations:
1. Manchester City
Manchester City has long been rumored as a potential destination for Messi. The club’s Executive Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has previously expressed interest in the Argentine, and their head coach, Pep Guardiola, famously worked with Messi at Barcelona. This strong connection between the two could be enough to convince the thirty-four-year-old to move to the Premier League giants.
2. PSG
After Messi’s shock departure from Barcelona last year, PSG swooped in and managed to secure his services on a two-year deal. However, the financial implications of the pandemic on the French champions mean they may not be in a position to retain Messi’s services on a long-term basis. Nonetheless, PSG has the financial muscle to compete with any potential suitors that may emerge.
3. Newell’s Old Boys
Messi began his career at Newell’s Old Boys and has previously expressed his desire to return to the club. A return to his birthplace, Rosario, in Argentina to finish his career would be a romantic option for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. With Messi keen to return to Barcelona, it seems unlikely that he would want to uproot his family to Argentina at this stage. However, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Messi could choose to end his career back where it all began.
4. Inter Miami
MLS club Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, has been linked with a move for Messi in the past. Beckham has spoken of his ambition to bring the world’s best players to the club since its inception, and the allure of finishing his career in America may appeal to Messi. However, given Messi’s recent form and the high level of play in MLS, many may see this as a step down for the Argentine, particularly if he wishes to continue competing at the highest level.
5. Liverpool
Liverpool, like Manchester City, would offer Messi the opportunity to play under a coach with whom he has a strong relationship. Jurgen Klopp, who previously coached Messi’s international teammate, Marco Reus, at Borussia Dortmund has previously expressed his admiration for the Argentine. Liverpool would also offer Messi the chance to play in one of Europe’s top leagues and contend for major honours.
It remains to be seen where the legendary footballer will end his career, but wherever Messi ends up, fans and football aficionados around the world will be watching with bated breath.
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