Reports emerged Thursday that international soccer superstar Lionel Messi will not return to Paris Saint Germain next season, with multiple suitors around the globe already being named to potentially sign the Argentinian. With all the leverage in the world, Messi can sign with any team that can feasibly afford him, but several destinations stand out in Europe and abroad.
Of all the potential landing spots for Messi, reports have most strongly suggested that FC Barcelona are first in line to sign him. A return home to the team that Messi played nearly two decades for would be a sensible decision as he nears the end of his career at the highest level of the sport.
The club would have to demonstrate to La Liga that it can afford its old superstar, something it has reportedly failed to do at this time. Confirmation of his PSG departure could reinvigorate the effort, however.
Another team long-rumored to be pursuing Messi is Inter Miami, an MLS club that reportedly offered him a deal that would have made him the highest-paid player in the history of the league last year. More recent reports suggest that the team may even offer him an equity stake in the club to play. If he agrees to play in the United States, he would follow in the footsteps of European stars like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. His impact on American soccer attendance would be even greater, however.
Just as it’s possible that Inter Miami might not be the only MLS team interested in Messi, a number of teams in Saudi Arabia will also likely pursue the PSG defector. Al-Hilal reportedly has offered him a deal worth $400 million. Others are certain to make bids as well in an effort to make the high-yield acquisition for their clubs.
Other possibilities exist for Messi, and some have discussed the possibility of a debut in the Premier League or other leagues in Europe. These clubs are less likely to sign him, however, as they lack the history he shares with Barcelona and the funds to match offers made in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
At this point, only two things are certain. While Messi could go to any number of clubs next at any number of locales, he seems set to leave PSG at the end of the season. When that occurs, he is poised to become the highest-paid athlete in the world — again.
