If the Argentinian striker were to leave Barcelona, the possible drop points would be counted on the fingers of one hand. And even.
This time, for sure, Lionel Messi really intends to leave FC Barcelona this summer. This would not be a strategy to renegotiate his contract advantageously or otherwise, as has been the case in the past. Exceeded by the failed season of the Blaugrana formation, which ended with a cataclysmic elimination in the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Bayern Munich (2-8), the Argentine striker intends to change his air and expressed it to its leaders. Except that the clubs that can accommodate the six-fold Ballon d’Or are not numerous. Detailed review of possible candidates.
Manchester City, the obvious
With Pep Guardiola as coach, under whose orders Lionel Messi won everything, Manchester City has a good head of potential winner. Especially since the British club under the Emirati flag has sufficient financial resources to respond favorably to the financial requirements of “La Pulga”, paid 71 M € gross per year in Catalonia, excluding bonuses. Another good news, in attack, Messi would find a certain Sergio Agüero, a player he has been very close to for many years. Agüero has always defended publicly, especially when criticism rained on the Barcelona player in Argentina. Finally, Messi could not remain insensitive to the fact of evolving with a passer of the quality of Kevin De Bruyne. It is undoubtedly for all these reasons that the bookmakers have made City the favorite to welcome the Argentine.
Newell’s Old Boys, the Heart’s Choice
A few years ago, Messi claimed he would not play for any club in Europe other than Barcelona. Obviously, he has the right to have changed since. Or not. In this case, knowing that at 33 years old and in view of the season he has just achieved (33 goals, 26 assists), he still has at least two to three good years ahead of him, it would be surprising to see him go to the United States, in MLS at Inter Miami. If he really doesn’t want to play in Europe anymore, then a return home, to his childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, seems most likely. Obviously, that would mean revising his emoluments significantly downwards but after all, he always said that he wanted to one day evolve in the Argentinian championship. It would also be an opportunity for him to make peace with some of the gauchos supporters who prefer Maradona to him.
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Inter Milan et Manchester United, les outsiders
Financially, both have sufficient surface to carry out such an operation. All the more so if the Argentinian wins his case with his departure clause and is free, without having to pay the famous 700 M €. Paradoxically, United would have the advantage of playing in the same city as City, which would also allow Messi to get closer to his friend Agüero. The only problem for both of them is the sporting aspect. Manchester United finished 3e this Premier League season 15 points from City and… 33 from Liverpool. The Red Devils are just starting to rebuild, but the foundations remain fragile. Inter Milan, she finished 2e of Serie A only a small point behind Juventus, but this is a classification in trompe l’oeil so much the team of Ronaldo had the stranglehold. Finding the Portuguese for a new duel could seduce the Argentinian, but not if it is to see him lift trophies.
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Real Madrid and PSG, the (very) big odds
Some have had the audacity, in the past, to move from Barça to Real. Like Luis Figo in 2000, which makes the Portuguese’s opinion a relevant opinion when he says that seeing Messi in the Merengue jersey is “impossible”. The Argentinian embodies the Blaugrana house far too much to be able to change it. As for PSG, the problem would be rather financial. Certainly, Messi would be happy to evolve again with Neymar and with Kylian Mbappé by his side. The trio has something to dream of, and not just the Playstation player. Except that in terms of payroll, the arrival of the Pulga would explode Parisian finances. Or more precisely would explode his respect for financial fair play, even if the departures of Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva gave him more leeway. But the PSG today seems to be looking for more quantitative than qualitative. However, if Messi arrived in the capital, it would close the doors to any other arrival, in defense or in midfield. Not very possible.
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