Lionel Messi confirmed he is more inclined to play for a new club after his contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the season. The Argentine left the door open on where he is headed next and there are many options available for the 33-year-old superstar.
In a recent interview, Messi said that he is done as a player for Barcelona after this campaign. The forward made clear that he is mostly set on leaving and seek a new challenge outside of La Liga.
The Barca captain is expected to remain competitive for a few more years and big clubs will certainly want him on their roster. The compass could be pointing Messi to the Premier League or Ligue 1.
The forward signing up with the French champions is not a remote possibility, according to Sky Sports. Messi has been vocal on his wish to play again with his former Barcelona teammate Neymar. Now that the prevailing situation at Camp Nou will make this an impossible scenario, Messi making the switch could be the path for the Argentine to suit up with the French champions.
This is a possibility but the more realistic destination for Messi after his nearly two decades of stay in Barcelona is Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is the manager of the club and recent reports suggested that the two, whose collaboration at the Catalan club resulted in numerous league titles, could reunite.
Messi said he wants to win more titles before retirement and with City, his goal has a higher chance of becoming real.
Most importantly, the Premier League giants can very well afford the high salary that Messi is expected to command even after his life at Barcelona. And joining Guardiola's side will open up more opportunities for the Argentine.
Messi revealed that playing for an MLS club is now high on his list and if indeed the star is serious about bringing his game to the United States then joining up City next season is the step to take, according to Goal.
The idea is for the superstar to play a couple of years in England then close out his career in the U.S. with New York City, an MLS club owned by the same City management. It would be a smooth transition for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.
However, Messi in America is not limited to one MLS club. He could also pick other high-profile organizations such as the LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC. Or the Argentine can take up the offer recently made by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
After football, Messi said he is not necessarily leaving the game. He dreams of returning to Barcelona to play a role outside of the pitch.
