Five clubs Lionel Messi could join next as rumours swirl over his PSG future

Lionel Messi could be set to leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of the season as Daily Star Sport investigates possible destinations for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner

Posted Sunday, January 29, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Lionel Messi has rejected PSG's contract extension

Lionel Messi's future at PSG has been thrown into jeopardy after he reportedly experienced a "change of mentality".

The World Cup hero, 35, was understood to have a verbal agreement with PSG chiefs for another 12-month stint at the Parc des Princes. However, according to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Messi has in fact rejected the offer from the Parisians.

'Leo Messi's intention is not to extend his contract with PSG and, therefore, not to renew his deal with the Paris-based side," revealed Romero on Twitch. "The victory in the World Cup in Qatar has changed his way of thinking, as he values other things for the immediate future."

With a number of teams known to be monitoring Messi's contractual situation with close interest, Daily Star Sport investigates five possible destinations for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner...

Barcelona

Messi seemed to write the final chapter of his illustrious career by claiming the Jules Rimet trophy in Qatar but returning to the club where he claimed 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys and four Champions League trophies would make the ultimate ending.

The Argentine bagged six of seven Ballon d'Or trophies whilst on the books at Barcelona and the only reason he left Catalunya in the first place was because the Spanish giants were unable to register him due to La Liga sanctions.

Boss Xavi has not ruled out a move for Messi in the future. "With Leo, let's see, but it's not the moment to talk about it right now," said Xavi in 2022. "You know the love I have for him. He is a friend and I will always wish him the best. Barca is his home."

Al-Hilal

The main rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, Al-Hilal have reportedly offered Messi a staggering £245million contract - eclipsing the mammoth deal Ronaldo penned earlier this year.

New Arab claim Messi's dad and agent Jorge were in Riyadh at the start of the month to discuss the transfer, which would be completed at the end of the season once his deal in Paris expires.

A relative of the Emir of Qatar, the Nasser Al-Attiyah, added fuel to the fire by saying: "Messi, his next club after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, will be Saudi Arabia."

Inter Miami

Linked with a move to the MLS in November, Inter Miami owner David Beckham is known to be a huge admirer of Messi and would reportedly break the bank to seal a move for the 35-year-old.

Messi has previously gone on record to state his desire to play in America before hanging up his boots and in 2020 he splashed out $7.3 million to purchase the ninth floor of the Regalia tower in Miami.

Newell's Old Boys

Messi spent five years in the youth set-up at Newell's Old Boys, scoring almost 500 goals as part of "The Machine of '87", before heading east to join Barcelona.

"I would love to [return]," Messi told Telefe's Polemica en el Bar in 2016. "It is something I have kept an eye on because it was my dream as a child.

"Obviously my life started to change and went another way, but I have no regrets. It's something I have kept an eye on. I want to play in Argentine football and Newell's, where I grew up."

Manchester City

It might only be a pipe dream to see the GOAT play in the Premier League but if anyone can convince Messi to come to England it's Pep Guardiola.

The Argentine was at the peak of his powers in 2012, rattling in a staggering 91 goals in 12 months under the stewardship of the current Manchester City manager.

"Everyone has an opinion but nobody can doubt that he is there, with the greatest of all time," Guardiola told reporters. "For me, I said many times, he is the best."

He added: "If he had not won the World Cup, my opinion about what he has done for world football, it wouldn't have changed absolutely anything. Of course, for him, it's the final achievement of an incredible career."