Lionel Messi

Picture Credit: Getty Image

There is no doubt that Lionel Messi is the most natural footballer to ever embrace a football field. Although there might be debates about him being better than Cristian Ronaldo, Messi has had a roller-coaster year. From evidently wanting to move away from FC Barcelona to seeing them get brutally thrashed in the Champions League and domestic cups. 

Even though this season took a mental toll on the Argentinian striker, he still managed to score 29 goals in the 2020-21 season so far in all competitions for Barcelona. Obviously, FC Barcelona are looking for a re-build, but will Messi have the patience to wait, given he is 34-years old is the prime question. 

This should not take away the fact the Catalan Management would not want to do everything possible to make Messi stay at Barcelona, but if he does make up his mind to move on, let’s take a look at the top 4 possible clubs where Lionel Messi could land next season.

  • Manchester City 

Manchester City has emerged as a powerhouse under Pep Guardiola in recent years. But they remain desperate to clinch the Champions League. Having managed to get the better of Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their quarter-final, it seems like this could finally be City’s year. Lionel Messi has enjoyed a lot of success under Pep and has met the same fate in Europe’s grandest footballing competition, especially in the knockout phase. 

Having said that, when Guardiola was asked about bringing Messi to the club earlier this season, he said, “I’m not going to speak about transfers until the end of the season.” 

  • Paris Saint Germain 

Seemingly always being on the brink of breaching Financial Fair Play, PSG might be flush with cash next season. Many of their marquee superstars, be it, Di Maria, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, have been linked to big-money moves. That being said, surely one of them is going to go. But knowing their excellent performance in the domestic as well as Champions League, PSG would not want their dominance to be halted.  

Hence, Lionel Messi could be an ideal fit to rather boost their dominance against the big guns of Europe. 

  • Inter Milan 

Inter Milan have looked like the most different side under the leadership of Antonio Conte. The club has the chance to win the Seria A title after 10 years. However, they have failed to make it big in Europe. Having grown tired of hoovering up Premier League's outcasts, Antonio Conte would jump at the chance of a marquee signing next summer. 

Let's not forget, Inter Milan were the only team to ever trigger Lionel Messi's release clause this year. 

  • Juventus 

Such an irony that Juventus has been lacking ever since Cristiano Ronaldo has joined the club. Although CR7 has broken numerous records and has led the side to big victories single-handedly, the fact that the squad solely depends upon the Portuguese superstar in every instance has not worked for Juventus. Lionel Messi and CR7 uniting at Old Lady could not only break sporting records but can also fulfil Juventus’ prime purpose of finally getting their hands on the Champions Trophy, especially under the management of their veteran Andre Pirlo.