There has been a lot of speculation about Lionel Messi one day joining MLS and in particular Inter Miami. It now looks like this could become a reality with L’Equipe reporting that Messi is unsure about extending his contract at PSG which expires this summer.
The Mirror has said PSG “are preparing for the exits of both Lionel Messi and Neymar following a breakdown in dressing room relations.” Neymar is 31 and likely to stay in Europe but Messi who is now 35 and although he is still one of the World’s best players, is not getting any younger so a move to MLS would make sense.
The Argentine’s long-term rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, has recently joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and it could be time for Messi to follow suit in leaving Europe.
Miami’s head coach Phil Neville has not ruled out signing Messi, as quoted in The Sun he said, “We want to bring the best players in the world to this club and he is probably the best player, so for us, the landscape has not changed at all. With any deal for any Designated Player of that level, it’s complicated. It takes time.”
Is it time for Lionel Messi to head to Miami?
Messi would depart Europe at the top of his game, which would be the way arguably the greatest player of all time should. He has just won the World Cup with Argentina which was the only major trophy that eluded him.
His form for PSG this season is still very impressive, he has 10 goals and 10 assists in 18 appearances in Ligue 1 and has four goals and four assists in six Champions League games. Given this form, however, there may be a part of him that thinks he should continue to play at the highest level.
A return to Barcelona has been talked about in the past and he has never played in the Premier League. Although, Manchester City who have been linked with him in the past, would find it hard to fit him into a side that already has Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.
Miami needs to deliver the big players they promised
When Inter Miami was founded five years ago, David Beckham the club’s co-owner stated an ambition to sign the World’s best players, which has been echoed by Neville.
The Herons have had big names sign for them, Blaise Matuidi and Gonzalo Higuain have both represented worn their pink and black kit. However, the signing of Messi would be up there with Beckham’s transfer to LA Galaxy in 2007.
Miami’s season begins on Sunday 26th February against CF Montreal. If they could get Messi for the second half of the season, then it would be a massive boost for a club who are looking to go further in the playoffs and win their first MLS Cup.