According to French expert Julien Laurens, Lionel Messi has three options when deciding his future, amid rumours that he may leave Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentinian superstar has been linked with a move to David Beckham’s MLS franchise Inter Miami, but his camp have denied the rumours and claimed that any decision Messi takes will come in 2023.
Speaking to TalkSport, Laurens laid out three possible options for the 35-year-old, with his next move potentially being his last.
The journalist said: “He’s out of contract in June, there’s a third season as an option in his PSG contract that he can trigger with the club, but right now, he’s just thinking about the World Cup, then he will make a decision.
“There’s basically three options: one is staying a bit longer [at PSG], taking a lot of money and maybe winning another Champions League.
“The second is to go to Inter Miami and MLS, where he has a house and they go on holidays there, they really love Miami.
“Or going back to Barcelona, which of the three, I think is the least likely, because I think he knows it’s not good to go back to your ex.”
TIF Thoughts on Messi’s future…
We agree that the diminutive forward has more to give at the top level, and his performances this season have been stunning despite a dip compared to his previous levels.
Messi still ranks in the top 2% of European wingers for shots, assists, shot-creating actions, passes and progressive passes as per FBref, highlighting why he was and still is a level above most other players.
He is clearly still capable of competing in Europe and in the Champions League, and we feel a move to the MLS would be premature at this stage.
Whether at PSG, Barcelona or elsewhere, we don’t want to see Messi end his European stay just yet.