One of the best players in football is now a free agent after Lionel Messi’s Barcelona contract expired at the end of June.
The 34-year-old stays at the top of his game and recently won the Copa America in Brazil with Argentina.
While Messi should sign for the next season at Camp Nou, The club announced on August 5 that it was unable to close a new deal due to financial reasons.
This will allow Messi to join the club of his choice, with every team around the world dreaming of landing the Argentine star.
Here we believe Lionel Messi could play next season.
1. Paris Saint-Germain
PSG are a top contender because it simply has the financial power to offer Messi a lucrative deal and allegedly have already had talks with the attacker.
They failed again in the Champions League last season and will be desperate to try to strengthen themselves wherever they can.
Neymar, who formed a fatal partnership with Messi at Barcelona, will stay in Paris and could convince his former team-mate to move to France for a season or two.
PSG have been shy about targeting Messi this summer but President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has previously stressed that he is a player that clubs can freely address.
2. Manchester City
Don’t be surprised to see Manchester City calling for Messi again after failing to win the Champions League again this year.
While coach Pep Guardiola has previously expressed his desire to see Messi at Barcelona, he would be insane not to sign the Argentine as a free agent when the opportunity presents itself.
City are one of the few clubs that can afford Messi’s salary and he could silence many critics by playing in the Premier League before he retires.
A reunion with Guardiola would certainly also be tempting for the No. 10 and could be exactly what City needs to finally win the Champions League.
The club’s recent signing of Jack Grealish could make a potential move difficult for Messi, but if one team can find space for another star, it is them.
3. Barcelona
While the Catalan club shocked the world by confirming Messi won’t sign again, forcing La Liga to relax their financial restrictions could well be a ploy.
Both Barca and Messi wanted to continue their partnership next season with only economic constraints as the deal collapsed at the last minute.
The Argentine star looked like he was destined to leave Camp Nou before the start of last season but ultimately ironed out the issues and there is still a chance the same could happen this time around.
4. Major League Soccer
A move to America is still unlikely, however a recent report from Spain suggests that Messi’s next club deal could move him to MLS team Inter Miami in two years.
Such a contractual arrangement would be massive for MLS, which have built a reputation for attracting world-class talent before they hang their boots.
Inter Miami, co-owner of David Beckham, is emerging as a suitable destination for Messi should he move to the USA with the club in a financially strong position and definitely want to expand his brand in the years to come.
Messi has also recently spent his free time in the US and clearly has some affection for the country.
5. Newell Old Boys
As a sentimental option, Messi started his youth career with this Argentine club and he clearly still has a place in his heart.
As in the MLS, a move to Old Boys next season is very unlikely, although Messi is still at the peak of his powers.
The club’s current coach, German Burgos, admitted this in March but also claimed that a future return may still be in sight.
“I don’t think he’s going to leave Barcelona because it’s home, like Newells. I think one day he will get through here, “said Burgos The capital.
“Because if Diego Maradona played here, Messi will also want to play in Newells. I think that will eventually pass. Hopefully it will be there soon. “
