Lionel Messi He will be out of contract following the conclusion of 2025 and has not yet made up his mind about extending his agreement with Inter Miami, fueling widespread rumors regarding potential transfers.
Reports suggest that Messi may be contemplating a move to a more competitive league as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup, potentially paving the way for his return to Europe.
Taking into account the latest transfer speculation, we've evaluated five feasible destinations for the 38-year-old should he choose to depart from Miami.
Napoli
In line with Diego Maradona’s legacy, such a decision would mark an impressive step for Messi.
Antonio Conte's team has already brought in Kevin De Bruyne, and the idea of him connecting with Messi during the upcoming season really excites us.
Right now, it's just fans speculating about Messi joining Napoli, but we'd definitely be excited to witness such a move.
Inter Milan
Should Messi not join Naples yet remains interested in relocating to Italy, a transfer to Inter Milan might also become feasible.
It's well known that Inter has made attempts to bring Messi aboard previously, specifically in 2021 and again in 2023.
Although they were unsuccessful in signing him during their earlier attempts, this might prove to be the charm as the Italian powerhouse aims to secure his signature once again in 2025.
Messi was set to reunite with his national team colleague Lautaro Martinez, and it has widely reported that Inter Milan are actively seeking additional firepower for their attack.
Given that Javier Zanetti serves as Inter's Vice President, he would likely be eager to attract Messi to San Siro.
"I was taken aback when [Messi] departed from Barcelona," Zanetti said to journalists in 2021.
“We can’t realistically match PSG or Premier League teams, but because of our good relationship, we discussed the possibility whenever there was an opportunity."
Barcelona
A comeback to Barcelona now appears significantly less probable compared to 2023, though a temporary contract remains a possibility.
The idea of Messi featuring at the freshly upgraded Spotify Camp Nou with Lamine Yamal has everyone buzzing with anticipation.
During his time with the renowned Spanish club, Messi appeared in 778 matches, netting an impressive tally of 672 goals and delivering 269 assists.
Although he may lack the sharp bursts of speed he once had, he would still be more than capable of performing effectively as a number 10 under Hansi Flick.
Lionel Messi continues to keep tabs on Barcelona and regularly speaks highly of several of their rising talents.
"It's a privilege that Lionel Messi, considered the best player ever, speaks positively about Barcelona," said Flick at a press conference in November last year.
We appreciate how much he supports the team—it’s really meaningful for us that he values the younger players so highly.
Al-Hilal
Following an unsuccessful attempt to sign Messi in 2023, Al-Hilal may make another effort to bring him to Saudi Arabia this year.
Reports indicate that the Saudi club intends to hold discussions with Lionel Messi's father and representative regarding a possible transfer to the Middle East.
Earlier, they presented Messi with an astonishing offer reportedly valued at £1 billion, and they're expected to put forward a substantial sum again this year in hopes of securing his signature.
Nonetheless, should Messi intend to depart from MLS for a more competitive league, joining the Saudi Professional League may not be his current objective.
READ: Nine footballers who might make their way to Saudi Arabia during this summer’s transfer window include Lionel Messi and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa among others...
Manchester City
Without De Bruyne available, Pep Guardiola's team could greatly gain from having an inventive playmaker such as Messi.
Although the 38-year-old may not be able to handle the defensive pressing typical of a Guardiola system, he would likely be willing to adapt his approach to reunite with the Argentine superstar.
Manchester City has previously attempted to secure Lionel Messi's signature, and Guardiola frequently praises the Inter Miami superstar.
Messi is the finest playmaker I've ever witnessed; he operates incredibly effectively right near the penalty area," Guardiola stated earlier this year when contrasting his own perspective with Kevin De Bruyne's abilities. "That being said, De Bruyne stands out as well.
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