Lionel Messi‘s future currently hangs in a state of flux, as the Argentine is reportedly caught in two minds over a move to Saudi Arabia or a return to FC Barcelona. The wishes of his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, could play a major role in his final decision, although her preference for a move to Inter Miami has drawn the ire of Barcelona supporters.
The 35-year-old’s departure from PSG has kicked off quite the transfer saga. Multiple clubs are said to be in contact with the World Cup winner’s camp, with Saudi outfit Al-Hilal and FC Barcelona being the frontrunners. MLS side Inter Miami have also thrown their hat in the ring for Messi’s signature, and a formal proposal has reportedly been presented to the forward.
As per reports, the David Beckham-owned club has offered a competitive financial sum, alongside some lavish perks. These include; a percentage of the profits derived from AppleTV+ subscriptions, a potential slice of Adidas’s profits from the transfer, and the option of owning the club’s shares as well.
The lucrative deal bears some similarities to the one offered to David Beckham by LA Galaxy in 2007, aside from added bonuses. As stated by reports, a move to the US has the approval of Messi’s wife Antonella, who is said to hold a strong influence over his final decision.
❗️Leo Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo wants to go to USA, while Jorge Messi and Leo want to go to Saudi Arabia.
— @JoanFontes pic.twitter.com/hAKeTvjIRg
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 6, 2023
the wife always gets her way
the wife always wins https://t.co/HCUHD9BdZx
— عاصمة كرة القدم🇶🇦 (@QatariFC) June 6, 2023
i thought she wanted to come back home. SMHHHH!!! https://t.co/r1tbGlTLoo
— B L V C K🖤🇦🇷 (@Tridia_Msf) June 6, 2023
and y’all were saying she don’t care about the money like geo lol https://t.co/sUKsz4TbSH
— 🤓🇳🇴 (@spidyvarez) June 6, 2023
Here i thought antonella was key for bringing messi back to barca. I’m done with all this news man
— Appie (@AppieFCB) June 6, 2023
And we know how that goes, wife always wins lol see you in Miami, Messi https://t.co/uiPOYpWtd8
— Jalen (@jj_thajetplane) June 6, 2023
Naturally, the news did not sit well with Barca fans, who were quick to express their disappointment. One even said, “Wife always gets her way, wife always wins.” Messi has been a family man since the start, and has often revealed the love he has for them to the world.
Lionel Messi signs for Inter Miami despite dream Barcelona return
The Argentina International is said to have at least 3 strong offers on the table, with the contenders being Al-Hilal, Barcelona, and Inter Miami. Al-Hilal’s proposal is supposedly the most lucrative, as the Saudi outfit have offered a final package worth more than $1 billion, although there has been no confirmation on this. However, reports say that Messi rejected the deal from the Middle East.
The details of Leo Messi’s proposed contract with Inter Miami 👀 pic.twitter.com/Kz8M7upev0
— ESPN (@espn) June 7, 2023
Messi has recently confirmed that he will be joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami. It is reported that the club offered him a lucrative contract that included the option of profit shares.