Lionel Messi’s next destination is expected to be outlined next week.
Messi is parting ways with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). “I have had the privilege of coaching the greatest player in the history of football,” PSG coach Christophe Galtier said at a press conference ahead of their final league game. The game against Clermont will be Messi’s last,” he said, formalizing his departure.스포츠토토
Eventually leaving PSG Messi left Barcelona after 21 years for PSG in 2021 after his contract with the club fell apart over financial issues. At the time, it was widely believed that he would form a formidable attacking line with former teammate Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who was touted as the “next big thing,” and that PSG would reach their peak.
It didn’t quite work out that way in Paris. Messi suffered the humiliation of being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) in the round of 16 for the second consecutive season with PSG, and while they continued to finish at the top of the league, it wasn’t enough to quench PSG’s thirst.
There was also a feud with the club. Messi was disciplined earlier this month for traveling to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission. Messi quickly apologized for the incident, but local media continued to report that his relationship with PSG was over.
There are three possible destinations for Messi. The first is Saudi Arabia. The kingdom took the first step towards becoming a global soccer destination earlier this year when it welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo into its fold. In fact, the country’s ambitions are so great that it’s hosting a number of sporting events and even organized the “Great Game” in January, albeit haphazardly.
Al Hilal lured Messi with astronomical sums of money. “Messi has received a huge offer of €500 million ($709 million) a year,” according to global media outlet Goal.com. The plan is to do exactly the same thing as Ronaldo, but for a much higher sum of money.
The deadline is tight. According to Spanish transfer market expert Gerard Romero, the Saudi offer expires on June 15. That’s why the talk of a deal being finalized next week isn’t just hype.
Inter Miami of the United States is also paying attention. Inter Miami’s owner, David Beckham, made his interest in Messi known early on as he tried to revitalize the American Major League Soccer (MLS) league, but he hasn’t been mentioned much this year.
Recently, a move to Inter Miami has resurfaced. According to French publication L’Equipe, Inter Miami is being considered as a new option for Messi, with a plan to eventually make him theirs in exchange for a loan from Barcelona. It’s more of a compromise between romance and reality.
However, Barcelona are still the favorites. Barcelona’s hierarchy, including president Juan Laporta, have emphasized that they are in constant contact with Messi and have publicly stated their desire to bring him back to Camp Nou.
Finances are a stumbling block. Barcelona are still reeling from the reasons they let Messi leave. Of course, the club’s top brass have stated that they are financially ready to bring Messi back, but according to Fabrizio Romano, a journalist familiar with the European soccer transfer market, Barcelona has yet to make an official offer.
That’s where president Xavi Hernandez comes in. According to Spain’s Mundo Deportivo, Xavi said, “Messi will make his decision next week and the media should leave him alone. There are 200 hypotheses now,” he said, adding that Messi will decide his future next week.
He also hinted that he hopes Messi will make a comeback. “I don’t doubt at all that Messi can help us a lot football-wise. He has all the confidence and passion (of Barcelona). If a decision is made, I will agree with it 100%,” he emphasized.