Lionel Messi’s future in football is one of the most debated topics across the sporting world as he approaches the end of his current contract at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Argentinian’s contract with PSG ends in June 2023, and rumors have been swirling about his next move ever since he joined the French giants in August 2021.
Recently, world football reporter Fabrizio Romano reported that Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal had offered Messi a deal worth over €400 million ($438.2 million) per season. While the offer is astronomical, it is highly unlikely that Messi would leave Europe to play in the Saudi Professional League, and the reports suggest that Messi’s priority is to remain in Europe.
There have been suggestions that Barcelona, Messi’s boyhood club where he spent the large majority of his career, could be a possible destination for the 35-year-old star. However, the Catalan giants have significant financial issues to work through, which could make a reunion with Messi unrealistic.
Furthermore, PSG remains a viable option, but Messi has reportedly been seeking “sporting guarantees” from the club. ESPN’s Julien Laurens reported that PSG wants Messi to take a 25 percent pay cut from his existing salary of €40 million ($43.8 million) per year, sources have told ESPN. A new meeting between the club and Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, is still scheduled for later this month to find a solution. Despite these issues, Messi’s star power is undeniable, and he is still one of the most highly regarded players in the sport. While he hasn’t been the elite force for PSG this season that he so often was for Barcelona, he did lead Argentina to a World Cup title in December and still has 13 goals and 13 assists in Ligue 1 play this year.
If Messi does leave PSG after his contract expires in 2023, many European clubs will likely come knocking. PSG will likely try to hold on to him, and Barcelona could make a push to bring him back home. However, some believe that another long-rumored possibility could come into play – Messi joining Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.
In the end, its impossible to predict Messi’s future with certainty. What is certain is that he is still and elite player and would make any club in the world better. As fans eagerly await news about his next move, it remains to be seen which club will ultimately win the race for his signature.
