Lionel Messi is reportedly on the hunt for his next club after joining Inter Miami a couple of months ago. Messi, who has been sensational for Inter Miami, failed to get his side through to the MLS playoffs. After the 1-0 defeat against Cincinnati, Inter Miami’s chances to qualify for the playoffs have been mathematically ruled out. However, it appears as if Messi may leave the Herons soon.
According to reports, there is a clause stipulated by MLS regulations that allows a club to loan out one of its players if it fails to qualify for the MLS playoffs. With Miami already ruled out, reports suggest Messi might be loaned out by his club. However, this will delay the Argentine ace’s plans to retire from his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys.
🚨 Saudi Arabia will look to loan Lionel Messi for the next 6 months. 🇸🇦
(Source: @sport) pic.twitter.com/CzChCdjbHF
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 9, 2023
Lionel Messi has previously expressed his desire to hang up his boots at Newell’s Old Boys, a club based in Rosario. However, according to reports, Saudi Arabia is again looking to acquire the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. While Messi has previously offered an offer worth more than a billion dollars from Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia hasn’t lost hope.
However, if Messi decides to move to Saudi Arabia, fans might finally get to see him link up with Cristiano Ronaldo. While Messi joining Al-Nassr remains a possibility, Al-Hilal will also be interested in him. With Messi’s former teammate Neymar Jr. already at the club, it would be more of an incentive for Messi to join Al-Hilal.
Is Lionel Messi returning to FC Barcelona?
Meanwhile, there are also rumors of Lionel Messi’s possible return to FC Barcelona. Lionel, who came close to joining the Catalan club earlier this year, ended up moving to the United States. FC Barcelona’s financial woes couldn’t guarantee the 36-year-old a spot in their squad previously. However, with Barcelona gradually returning to economic stability, Messi’s return looks more probable now.
⚽🗣️ Tata Martino: “If Leo Messi goes to Barcelona, it will be for a visit. (Laughs) I’m amazed by that rumor.” pic.twitter.com/GJLr59cHQ3
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) October 8, 2023
Although Inter Miami CEO Jorge Mas has previously ruled out any chances of Lionel Messi joining FC Barcelona again. In addition to this, Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino also denied any rumors of Lionel’s possible return to Spain. However, Jorge has promised that he would do everything in his power to give Messi a deserved farewell match at Camp Nou.