Getty Image / Xavier Laine
At 35-years old, Lionel Messi is still one of the best soccer players in the world.
He’s currently aiming to sign a new deal right now and the race to sign him is starting to heat up.
There are a few teams in the mix, but as of right now, Al-Hilal SFC, a Saudi Arabian team, offered Messi a deal worth nearly €1 Billion (would be just over $1 billion), per Fabrizio Romano.
🚨🚨💣| BREAKING: Al-Hilal’s offer to Leo Messi in a total package is close to €1 BILLION in one year.@FabrizioRomano [🎖️] pic.twitter.com/H1BilIDTMP
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) May 30, 2023
That’s a wild deal considering Al-Hilal SFC wants to pay him that much money for just one year! Even so, they have some stiff competition as it sounds like FC Barcelona and Inter Miami are working together on a deal with Lionel Messi.
According to Joe Pompliano and L’ÉQUIPE, “Inter Miami would sign Messi and then loan him straight to Barcelona for 6-18 months, helping Barcelona circumvent their financial restraints.” After that, Messi would play for Miami in the MLS.
Barcelona & Inter Miami are working together to sign Lionel Messi, per @lequipe.
Inter Miami would sign Messi and then loan him straight to Barcelona for 6-18 months — helping Barcelona circumvent their financial restraints.
Messi would then go to MLS.
Let's make it happen 🤞 pic.twitter.com/b4sbY04l70
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) May 31, 2023
Obviously, there are a lot of factors in play here, but the thought of Messi playing in America is tantalizing.
Even if it takes over a year for it to happen, Inter Miami and US soccer fans would welcome him with open arms.
But of course, Barcelona and Inter Miami have to find a way to entice Messi away from Al-Hilal.
This is a situation to monitor. Especially for USA fans that hope to see Lionel Messi play in the MLS.
Keep an eye out for more updates, as Messi could make his decision relatively soon.