Why Messi could pick MLS over a return to Barca
FT Desk
- 28 Feb 2022 11:05 GMT
- 8 min read
Lionel Messi is currently a Paris Saint-Germain player and may likely remain one until his current contract at the club comes to an end in 2023.
However, while nothing seems to be written in stone, the general understanding is that the Argentina international will return to Barcelona in one form or another before the end of his career.
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Indeed, not only does the player have plans to take up a non-playing role when he eventually hangs up his boots, but there’s no doubt that Messi could be tempted back to the Camp Nou pitch to play under former team mate Xavi.
And yet, despite this seemingly open and shut case, there does seem to be a growing suggestion that Messi could opt for a move to the United States instead.
Inter Miami want him
At least, that’s what Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas would have us believe, who thinks his business partner David Beckham may be able to convince Messi to make the move to the United States sooner rather than later.
When asked about the prospect of Messi making the move to MLS, Mas said: “Leo Messi is still one of the best players in the world, his skills have not diminished. I think, and David has a relationship with him, if he does leave PSG, at the time he leaves it, we’d love to see Lionel Messi be a player at Inter Miami and be part of our community.
"Can it happen? Look, we’ll push. I’m an optimist at heart. Could I see that happening? It’s a possibility.”
When asked about the possibility of signing Messi, Beckham was also far from dismissive of the idea.
“I’ve always said I want the best players in our club and playing in our shirt because there’s a certain expectation. Unfortunately, sometimes it can be a bad thing. But most of the time it’s a good thing,” said the former England international.
"When I first started this project, people were saying 'This guy is coming, that guy is coming, [Cristiano] Ronaldo is coming, Messi’s coming.’ At the end of the day, we need to win, whether it’s with the young kids or stars.
"Our fans will be happy if we have stars on the team, but they’ll be even happier if they’re seeing young players coming through our academy and lifting the MLS Cup.”
Barca have already moved on
Another reason why Messi may be hesitant about returning to Barca is the simple fact that the club no longer need him.
Of course, Messi remains one of the best players in the world, but since his departure from Barca in the summer the Catalan giants have signed no less than four forwards in the shape of Memphis Depay, Ferran Torres, Adama Troare and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Whether all four will still be at the club in 2023 is anyone’s guess, but there will certainly be plenty of competition for Messi to contend with if he does make a return. And it could perhaps prove to be too much for a player that will be 36 years of age by then.
