Lionel Messi is widely regarded to be the best footballer in the world. He’s probably the most gifted footballer of all time (though I’m sure there’ll be a few who are willing to counter those claims). But he’s only ever played his club football in Spain. Whilst there’s nothing particularly wrong with this, I for one would be disappointed if he saw out his playing days in La Liga.
There’s no doubting his credentials. But the legacy he leaves behind will be considerably improved if he branches out, challenges himself and tries to make things happen in a different League. The only other footballer who currently comes close to him is Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s spent time in the Premier League with Manchester United and he certainly left his mark. Wouldn’t it be something if Lionel Messi were to do the same?
Messi has often been criticised for failing to perform at the same level for his country as he has for his club. Branching out in this respect would be an opportunity to prove that he can produce the goods without Barcelona’s incredibly gifted midfield backing him up.
As it happens, Manchester City striker (and former La Liga star), Alvaro Negredo recently claimed that he thought Messi would play alongside him in the Premier League at some stage in his career:
“I could see someone like Messi coming to England and following players like David Silva, Juan Mata, Santi Cazorla, David de Gea and myself. He could play well in any league in the world. Maybe in two or five years he will get bored with La Liga, want a change and come over here.”
I’d certainly be surprised if he didn’t fancy a change at some stage in his career.
Of course, the thrust of this article comes from my own selfish attitude towards the world. I watch a lot more Premier League action than I do La Liga. Whilst I have my own allegiances, I watch football to see the best players produce moments of magic, capture my imagination and leave lasting memories. So of course, I’d love to see him in the Premier League. Any fan would.
Only Manchester City or Chelsea could realistically make a deal happen. The Mirror suggest that these two clubs could ply him away from Barca’s grip with a £150m bid, as long as they back it up with a £20m-a-year wage packet. That’s a lot of money, but I can’t help but cross my fingers and hope it happens one day.
What’s your take? Will Lionel Messi ever play in the Premier League?
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