Where will Lionel Messi go after PSG? - Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, has made a significant decision regarding his future in football. After declining to renew his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Messi will become a free agent. He joined PSG in 2021 following a salary cap reduction in La Liga that forced him to leave FC Barcelona, the club he had been loyal to for 18 years.

During his two years at PSG, Messi secured two Ligue 1 titles. Now, with his contract set to expire on June 30, he has confirmed his move to Inter Miami, providing a massive boost to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

Messi’s Considerations:

Close to Signing with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia:

Reports suggest that Messi came very close to signing with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. However, his trip to Saudi Arabia without PSG’s permission resulted in a suspension from the club.

It was speculated that Messi intended to finish his career in the Middle East for a lucrative paycheck, similar to Cristiano Ronaldo. He was reportedly offered an astronomical contract worth $AUD1.9 billion over two years, making him the highest-paid player in football history.

Potential Return to FC Barcelona:

A return to his beloved FC Barcelona was always a possibility for Messi. Club president Joan Laporta expressed optimism about fixing the chapter that ended with Messi’s departure in 2021.

Recent discussions between Laporta and Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, focused on various topics, including a potential tribute match. The financial aspect of a return was deemed viable by club VP Eduard Romeu, but the final decision rested with the coaching staff and the player.

Initial Links to Inter Miami:

Back in November, it was reported that Messi was close to reaching an agreement with Inter Miami to play in the MLS. The deal would have made him the highest-paid player in the league’s history.

Miami seemed like a suitable fit for Messi, given his ownership of a house in the area and regular holidays there. The level of interest from Messi’s side remained uncertain until the recent confirmation of his move to Inter Miami.

Following Ronaldo’s Footsteps to Saudi Arabia:

There were speculations about Messi following in the footsteps of his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo and making a move to Saudi Arabia. However, the General Secretary of the Saudi Football Federation denied any news regarding Messi’s potential transfer.

While expressing the federation’s hope to have Messi in the domestic league someday, he clarified that there was no concrete information about such a move.

Possibility of Staying at PSG:

Although reports suggested that Messi was leaning away from renewing his contract with PSG, his father and agent did receive an offer for an extension. In December, there were indications of a “verbal agreement” between the two parties.

Messi’s original contract allowed him to stay until summer 2024, but his success at the FIFA World Cup likely strengthened his bargaining power for a more lucrative deal.

Implications for Major League Soccer in the United States:

At the age of 36, Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami provides a significant boost to Major League Soccer in the United States. His presence will generate tremendous buzz and unprecedented coverage, akin to the impact David Beckham had on the league.

This move will put MLS back on the world map and draw attention to the sport, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded tournament, featuring more teams, will further elevate the sport’s popularity in the United States.

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