Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is a 35-year-old Argentine footballer who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France’s Ligue 1. He is the captain of the Argentina national football team and, with 43 titles (both team and individual), is the most decorated player in football history.
Just last weekend, he secured his 43rd title after winning Ligue 1, France’s domestic league. His previous major victory with the national team took place on December 18, 2022, in Qatar, when Argentina claimed its third FIFA World Cup, with Messi as the team’s top scorer.
Messi is a megastar thanks to his talent, skill, and ability to do things on the field that seem impossible for any human. Because of this, he is always a central figure. However, his current situation and future in football remain uncertain.
His contract with Paris Saint-Germain ends on June 30, and the club has already announced through its social media and official website that the Argentine will not continue with the team. Following this statement, the big question arises: Where will he go next?
Barcelona hopes to bring Messi back home
The tears Messi shed during his farewell to Barcelona are still remembered. Two seasons ago, his path and that of the club parted ways due to financial issues within the institution, ending a 21-year relationship.
In the months that followed, Barcelona deeply regretted his departure. Joan Laporta, the current club president, was the one who made the tough decision not to renew Messi’s contract.
Laporta has stated on several occasions that he wants to bring Messi back and regrets the decision he made. For several seasons, Barcelona has faced conflicts with La Liga and financial fair play regulations, which require the club to reduce its wage bill.
Barcelona’s plan to re-sign Messi is as follows: a month ago, the club submitted a financial proposal to La Liga in which it pledged to cut its salary expenses by 200 million euros, either through pay cuts or player sales.
So far, Messi’s camp has not received a formal offer, and the plan has not yet been approved by La Liga. Both head coach Xavi Hernández and President Laporta have repeatedly expressed their desire for the Argentine legend to return.
Massive offer from Saudi Arabia for Argentina’s No. 10
Over the weekend, Saudi media reported that Messi will sign a contract next week with Al-Hilal, one of the top clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Several reports linked Jorge Messi, the player’s father and agent, with ongoing negotiations in the region.
Rumors suggest that Al-Hilal is ready to offer a deal worth €400 million per season—an unprecedented figure in world football. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal’s biggest rival.
From a financial perspective, the offer to lure Messi is unmatched. However, in sporting terms, Al-Hilal finished third in the league and will not be eligible for international competitions until 2024.
Inter Miami enters the race for Messi
Inter Miami is a club chaired by former Premier League and England star David Beckham. Beckham is the most influential figure in the club and, upon hearing of Messi’s departure from PSG, set plans in motion to attract the Argentine to Major League Soccer (MLS).
Sources close to Messi confirmed that Inter Miami has already made a formal offer to sign him. However, the club’s sporting situation is not promising. As the league operates on a calendar-year basis, the team has recorded 10 wins and 15 losses and currently sits at the bottom of the standings.
In recent weeks, a coaching change was made, with Argentine Javier Morales stepping in as interim head coach.
In short, Messi has no shortage of offers. Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Spain are the main contenders seeking to sign the most decorated player of all time.
Wherever he goes, Lionel Messi will soon wear a new jersey—and it will likely become one of the best-selling shirts in recent years. Even seven Ballon d’Ors weren’t enough for the French fans, who booed him during his final matches in Paris. Outside that environment, Messi must now decide: return to his beloved Barcelona, or embark on a new adventure abroad?