Lionel Messi: The Pro League, La Liga, or the MLS - Which league will sign the GOAT?
The latest soccer rumors are flooded with Lionel Messi headlines.
The man with more Ballon d’Or trophies than any other player in history and a recent World Cup winner with Argentina has displayed no interest in negotiating a renewal contract with Paris Saint Germain (PSG) - Thus meaning the GOAT will be a free agent this summer.
Messi arrived in the French Ligue 1 in 2021, following a La Liga salary cap that forced him out of FC Barcelona – the club where his loyalties had previously stayed strong for 18 years. However, the two-year deal inked at PSG expires in June 2023, and while it was initially rumored a contract extension would take place, it’s now said that an immediate exit from Paris is on the cards.
The elephant in the room must, however, be addressed. What is Messi’s next move?
Saudi Arabia – The Pro League
French agency AFP has reported
Lionel Messi’s move to Saudi Arabia is a ‘done deal.’ Given the recent fallout between Messi and PSG, the move also makes more sense than previous links to the GOAT.
He was suspended by PSG for taking a trip to Saudi Arabia without permission – fuelling speculation that he planned to finish out his career in the Middle East. And with gossip pointing towards a contract in the region of $532 million per season, can we blame him? He’d become the highest-paid player in soccer history.
The Saudi Arabian club offering such figures isn’t known. Still, should Messi join the Pro League, he could potentially play alongside or against Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed for Al Nassr in January.
North America – Major League Soccer
Another intriguing option for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner involves a move to North America. While the MLS is a long shot to land Messi, plenty of teams are showing interest, like the New England Revolution and Miami Inter owned by David Beckham. You can bet MLS fans are eagerly watching. New England fans can
take advantage of WynnBET Massachusettsas the Revolution are tied for the Eastern Conference lead. With Messi in the starting line-up, it would significantly heighten the overall probability of cashing in some moneyline wagers.
Last November, we saw reports that involved Inter Miami being “close to signing Messi.” However, due to World Cup preparations, he apparently wanted all deals on hold to focus on the competition.
Messi is on record stating his desire to play in the
MLS, and Miami is the perfect location for the 35-year-old, who owns property in the area and visits regularly.
New England? We aren’t too sure, and while there’s unquestionably been interest from Messi in a move to North America, we’re unclear on whether it’s passion or money fuelling the end of his career decisions. If it’s the latter, no league will compete with Saudi’s $500+ million offer.
Spain – La Liga
The fairy-tale ending to a storied career would see Messi return to his beloved FC Barcelona. After all, he didn’t leave the club out of choice; they simply couldn’t afford him.
Joan Laporta, Barca’s president, teased the idea that Messi’s time at Barcelona “wasn’t over” and that they’ll give him a “more beautiful ending” than what he received following the club's failed attempt at renewal in 2021.
The financial situation at Barcelona is undoubtedly in a position to pay Messi what he needs, but the club has flourished without him. They’re the 2022/23 La Liga champions, and signing Messi isn’t a money matter; it’s whether it’s the right decision for both parties.
Staying in Paris – Ligue 1
The most unlikely outcome is that Messi stays in Paris. Of course, all rumors suggest he’s already placed one foot out of the PSG door, but we know that soccer rumors cannot always be trusted.
A recent interview on the PSG YouTube channel refutes Messi’s exit: “The truth is I feel great. I had difficulty adapting to Paris for different reasons the first year,” Messi said. “This season, I started differently, with great enthusiasm and desire. I’m more comfortable with the club, the city & everything Paris means.”
As recent reports tell us the opposite of the above statement, we can only take everything we see and hear with a pinch of salt until an official announcement on Messi’s future has been made.
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