Lionel Messi is out of contract on the finish of 2025 and he’s but to determine whether or not to increase his cope with Inter Miami, resulting in loads of switch hypothesis.
It’s been reported that Messi is contemplating enjoying in a extra aggressive league within the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, leaving the door open for a European return.
Primarily based on the present switch rumours, we’ve assessed 5 real looking choices for the 38-year-old if he decides to depart Miami.
Napoli
Following within the footsteps of Diego Maradona, this is able to be fairly the transfer for Messi.
Antonio Conte’s facet have already added Kevin De Bruyne to their ranks and the considered him linking up with Messi subsequent season will get our juices flowing.
At this level, it’s nothing greater than fan hypothesis linking Messi with Napoli, however we’d certain like to see it.
Inter Milan
If Messi doesn’t find yourself at Napoli however nonetheless fancies shifting to Italy, a swap to Inter Milan may be on the playing cards.
It’s no secret that Inter have tried to signal Messi up to now, each in 2021 and 2023.
Whereas they did not signal him on these earlier approaches, it may very well be third time fortunate for the Italian giants in 2025.
Messi can be linking up together with his worldwide teammate Lautaro Martinez and it’s been nicely documented that Inter are presently after some attacking reinforcements.
With Javier Zanetti working as Inter’s Vice President, he’d absolutely be eager to lure Messi to the San Siro.
“I used to be shocked when [Messi] left Barcelona,” Zanetti advised reporters in 2021.
“Realistically, we can’t compete with PSG or Premier League golf equipment, however as a result of our rapport, we spoke [about signing him] when there was an opportunity.”
Barcelona
At this stage, a return to Barcelona appears way more unlikely than it did in 2023, however a short-term deal can’t be dominated out.
The considered Messi enjoying on the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou alongside Lamine Yamal is sufficient to get anybody excited.
Messi performed a complete of 778 video games for the Spanish giants and scored 672 targets whereas offering 269 assists.
He may not have the identical bursts of acceleration as of late, however he may undoubtedly do a job for Hansi Flick’s facet in a quantity 10 position.
Messi nonetheless follows Barcelona in the present day and has persistently praised a variety of their upcoming stars.
“It’s an honour that the best participant of all time, Lionel Messi, is saying good issues about Barca,” Flick advised reporters in November final yr.
“We love the truth that he follows the crew. It means loads to us that he holds the children within the squad in such excessive regard.”
Al-Hilal
After failing to lure Messi to Saudi Arabia in 2023, Al-Hilal may attempt their luck as soon as once more this yr.
In accordance with studies, the Saudi membership are planning to satisfy Lionel Messi’s father and agent to debate a possible transfer to the Center East.
They’ve beforehand provided Messi a staggering deal value a reported £1billion they usually’ll probably throw an enormous chunk of cash to attempt to seize him this yr.
Nonetheless, if Messi plans on leaving MLS for a transfer aggressive league, a swap to the Saudi Professional League maybe isn’t what he’s presently after.
READ: 9 gamers who may nonetheless transfer to Saudi Arabia this summer season: Messi, Onana…
Manchester Metropolis
With De Bruyne now not of their ranks, Pep Guardiola’s facet would massively profit from a inventive chief like Messi.
Whereas the 38-year-old can’t do the urgent required in a Guardiola set-up, he’d absolutely make some allowances to work with the Argentine star as soon as extra.
Man Metropolis have tried to signal Messi up to now and Guardiola often waxes lyrical concerning the Inter Miami star.
“Messi is the most effective passer I’ve ever seen, as a result of Messi has carried out it actually, actually near the field, however De Bruyne is there,” Guardiola mentioned earlier this yr when evaluating his imaginative and prescient with De Bruyne’s.
READ NEXT: Lionel Messi was inches away from punching Vitinha – & it purchased tears to our eyes
TRY A QUIZ: The Final Lionel Messi Quiz: 30 powerful questions to check your data of the GOAT
