Four clubs Lionel Messi could join as PSG relationship becomes bitter

Lionel Messi appears to be on his way out of Paris Saint-Germain as the two parties’ relationship has grown fractured following his recent suspension. After an unauthorised visit to Saudi Arabia during the season, PSG have punished Messi by banishing him from playing or training with the club and his pay will be docked during the two weeks. And now the likelihood of either Messi or PSG activating the option for another year on his contract seems minimal. He has shown throughout this season and especially at the World Cup that the 35-year-old still has plenty to offer for any potential suitor. Here, Express Sport has looked at four clubs that he could join for free this summer.

Barcelona

Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to bring back Messi to the Nou Camp this summer, as they eye an emotional reunion with their former superstar. With Xavi at the helm, Messi would have a head coach that knows him extremely well and he can continue his journey, having been forced to leave Spain due to the club’s financial concerns at the time.

However, the same issues persist behind the scenes at Barcelona and a major clearout may be necessary in order for them to be able to afford Messi’s contract. Whether they will be able to make enough money in order to clear the deal with La Liga remains to be seen.

Al Hilal

Messi’s visit to Saudi Arabia will only add further fuel to the fire linking him with a Cristiano Ronaldo reunion in the Middle East. The Portuguese striker moved to Al Nassr earlier this year on a huge contract after he left Manchester United and would likely jump at the chance to compete with his rival once again.

L’Equipe have reported that the Gulf state are preparing the biggest offer ever proposed to a football in order to land the recent World Cup winner, with Al Hilal often mentioned most prominently with a Saudi bid for Messi.

Manchester City

Manchester City have tried before to recruit Messi, as he could link up with Pep Guardiola once again after their hugely successful spell together at Barcelona. The head coach clearly still holds Messi in high regard, often explaining how Erling Haaland is still a step down from the Argentine despite his stunning goalscoring exploits this season.

The Premier League holders do have the financial capabilities to pull off a deal, despite Guardiola previously admitting that it would not happen – but whether a move to England at this stage of Messi’s career is the right one remains to be seen.

Inter Miami

The David Beckham-owned MLS club have previously reportedly offered Messi a part-ownership stake in Inter Miami in order to convince him to join the club, while he already has a home in Miami but previous reports have stated that Messi would prefer to remain in Europe for at least another year and look to win the Champions League.