Lionel Messi Next Club odds after summer transfer window

It wasn’t until Lionel Messi was named Men’s Player of the Year at the Best FIFA Awards 2022 on February 28 that he made even more history. The PSG superstar has only cemented his place as the greatest player of his generation in recent months.

Messi held off PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema as he won this season’s award and is still at the peak of his powers despite his age of 35.

Messi continued to write himself in Argentina’s history books during the 2022 World Cup as he led the South American heavyweights to their first world title since 1980 and has continued to shine since arriving in the French capital.

Following in the footsteps of Diogo Maradona, who celebrated world football’s biggest success in Qatar, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 27 goals in 49 games for club and country in the 2021/22 season.

Although over the winter it looked like Messi would pen a new deal with PSG, it now looks like Messi could be primed for another blockbuster move this summer.

With clubs from around the world all desperate to snag the world champions when the window opens again, we’ve taken a look at who has been lined up as bookmakers’ favourites.

InterMiami

Although Messi could be in the midst of another record break after being crowned world champion in winter, the 35-year-old could be poised for a surprise MLS move in 2023.

While many believe Messi is still more than capable of guiding PSG to a first Champions League title and still playing a leading role on the European stage, the Argentine historian has long weighed in on a potential move associated with America.

Despite Messi not being ready to sail to the States during the World Cup break, Inter Miami suddenly find themselves at the forefront of the chase to complete the biggest signing in MLS history.

After Inter Miami owner and ex-Manchester United superstar David Beckham made it public in the last 24 months that he was keen to bring Messi to the United States, the MLS franchise is poised to break the bank this summer .

As reports continue to suggest Messi is becoming more open to the possibility of signing a multi-year deal with Inter Miami, many would be disappointed if the international with 172 caps left European football.

Inter Miami sign Lionel Messi this summer – Best odds: 7/5 with BetUK

Barcelona

If Messi were to end his stay in Paris this summer and miss the chance of a contract extension with PSG, neutrals from around the world would be hoping for Messi’s emotional return to Catalonia.

While Barcelona may still be grappling with some long-standing financial woes behind the scenes at the Nou Camp, Xavi’s side have made it clear that they dream of Messi’s return in 2023.

With members of the Nou Camp hierarchy declaring they will do everything in their power to lure their native icon back to Spain, Barcelona’s most famous son could be lured into one last dance.

With Xavi’s side now firmly in pole position to claim their first La Liga crown this year since 2019, there is no doubt that Barcelona’s boss would welcome his close friend back with open arms.

Messi arrived at Barca’s famed academy aged just 13, scoring a record 672 goals in 778 games for the Spanish heavyweights and lifting 35 trophies during his legendary tenure in Spain.

Barcelona sign Lionel Messi this summer – Best odds: 7/2 with BetUK

Manchester City

While Manchester City may have just welcomed Premier League record-breaker Erling Haaland to the Etihad last summer, could Pep Guardiola’s side be eyeing another famous swoop this year?

Although the former Barcelona boss may have made it part of his approach to focus City’s transfer strategy on young talent, it’s no secret that Guardiola regards Messi as the greatest player he’s ever worked with.

With lingering links throughout Messi’s tenure at Catalonia that Messi could be ready to test himself on the Premier League stage before hanging up his boots, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has also been a rumored target for City.

With Messi potentially interested in a Guardiola reunion ahead of the 2023/24 season, the English champions have already proven over the past decade that they are ready to break the bank.

Although it might seem that Inter Miami or an emotional return to Barcelona are Messi’s top two contenders this summer, Manchester City could be eyeing a sensational late move in the coming weeks.

Manchester City sign Lionel Messi this summer – 16/1 with BetUK

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