Following rumors that Lionel Messi would consider leaving Inter Miami to play in a more competitive league prior to the 2026 World Cup, a new favorite has surfaced as a potential destination for the Argentine. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup came to an abrupt end after Miami was eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16.
Following the loss, ESPN Argentina’s Esteban Edul speculated that Messi would be amenable to leave the David Beckham-owned team to play in a better division. It also revealed that contract negotiations had been put on hold. Additionally, these are the most likely destinations for the seasoned forward, per Betfair.
One of Three Premier League Clubs
16/1 – 22/1
What would have occurred if Lionel Messi had moved to the Premier League is one of the biggest football what-ifs. Some thought the Argentine wouldn’t have been able to handle a chilly, rainy night in Stoke, despite his impressive European record versus English clubs.
Even though the English top flight has changed significantly over the past ten years, it would still be thrilling to watch the superstar visit the British Isles. Due to a potential reunion with Pep Guardiola, Manchester City has the best chance of signing him out of the three teams that have been given an outside chance. Arsenal and Chelsea have also surfaced as two further outsiders in the competition.
Paris Saint-Germain
11/1
Does a return to the French capital seem likely given that Messi left PSG to join Miami? Given that the Parisians have performed admirably under Luis Enrique and have finally broken their Champions League curse thanks to standout performances from players like Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha, who are now among the Ballon d’Or favorites, it would undoubtedly be alluring.
It’s interesting to note, though, that the club might not be as keen in the transfer. Enrique has assembled a strong team by cutting out players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Messi. Reviving a historical figure could be a step backwards for the Parc des Princes, which has long lacked that cohesiveness.
Bayern Munich
17/2
Imagine a scenario in which Jamal Musiala sits just behind Messi and Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, tugging the creative strings as they line up in attack. A warning sign should be affixed to that front line so that defenders are aware of it before they encounter it.
Once more, Messi has never tried his hand at German football, and if he moves to Bavaria, it should be easy for him to win another league title. History has indicated that, aside from Xabi Alonso’s undefeated season, Messi would find it simpler to win the German top flight than the MLS if he signs with Bayern. However, he is still likely to want a significant rise in the caliber of opposition.
Any team in the Saudi Pro League 15/2
Is it possible that Messi and Ronaldo will face off again? Alternatively, is it possible for the dream of the two teams playing together to come true? Even while the situation might not be what one had hoped for, it would still be football history if it happened.
Actually, Messi’s choice to join with Miami rather than relocate to Saudi Arabia at the time of his transfer was somewhat of a declaration of intent, as Ronaldo said that the Saudi Pro League was a superior league while the Argentine sided with the MLS. If Messi were to relocate to the Middle East in pursuit of stronger competition, it would be a huge blow to the American division and would effectively confirm the remarks made by his longtime adversary.
Newell’s Old Boys
7/1
It would be a dream come true for Messi to return to Argentina and play professionally for Newell’s Old Boys, the team he played for before getting signed by the Barcelona academy as a young player.
Despite never having played for the team, Messi has expressed his desire to do so in the past. The club went so far as to honor him by naming a stand after him. Despite having a comparatively short career with them, he is revered to that extent. If he truly intended to make the switch, he wouldn’t need an excuse to do so, but the new information might present the ideal opportunity.
Barcelona
9/2
Messi most likely had no intention of leaving Barcelona in the first place. If he did, he most definitely didn’t want to do it the way things turned out. After all, it was his football home. And where better than Catalonia to play football in a more competitive setting?
One may argue that Messi wouldn’t even replace Lamine Yamal on the right side at this time, but what a role model for the rising star. Messi cuddling him as a newborn would be the ideal full-circle moment in the picture of the two standing next to each other on the field.
Lionel Messi: Latest Odds for His Next Club
Barcelona
9/2
The Old Boys of Newell
7/1
Any Saudi League team
15/2
The Bayern Munich
17/2
Saint-Germain, Paris
11/1
City of Manchester
16/1
Chelsea
20/1
The Arsenal
22/1
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