LIONEL MESSI is on the brink of leaving Paris Saint-Germain – just TWO YEARS after joining the French champions.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract with the Ligue 1 giants expires at the end of the season.
REUTERSLionel Messi is on course to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer[/caption]
REUTERSMessi’s PSG contract expires in the summer and the club have suspended hm for an unathorised trip to Saudi[/caption]
APTeams around the world will be champing at the bit to land the footie icon[/caption]
And the Parisians are reportedly opting AGAINST extending the World Cup winner’s stay at the Parc des Princes.
Teams across the world will now be on red alert following the news of Messi’s shock availability this summer.
But only seven of them are, realistically, in with a shout of signing the 35-year-old – who was suspended by PSG for two weeks following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.
Here, SunSport runs through the list of clubs in contention to snap up the diminutive wizard.
Chelsea
New Blues owner Todd Boehly has well and truly splashed the cash since taking the club off Roman Abramovich’s hands last year – forking out a whopping £500million on new players.
It’s clear the American wants to bring marquee names to Stamford Bridge as part of his rebuild.
So don’t be surprised if he tries to make an audacious swoop for the Argentine.
Manchester United
Like Chelsea, United are going through somewhat of a rebuild.
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It’s likely whoever takes ownership of the club from the Glazers will look to make a massive signing as a statement of intent.
And there is no bigger name out there that would do just that and send Red Devils fans wild than Messi.
Manchester City
Messi has been linked with a move to the Etihad ever since former manager Pep Guardiola took charge of the defending Premier League champions.
The reunion would be a dream one for fans of Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona team – but it could be made tricky by to Financial Fair Play rules.
AFPA reunion with Pep Guardiola could be on the cards for Lionel Messi this summer[/caption]
Barcelona
Messi’s 21-year love affair with Barcelona came to an end in the summer of 2021 when the Catalans were forced to let him go due to their crippling financial crisis.
Messi was heartbroken to be forced to leave the Nou Camp and would no doubt jump at the opportunity to return to Catalunya.
Inter Miami
The newly-formed MLS team – which is partly owned by Manchester United and England legend David Beckham – have been eyeing up a move for Messi for the last 18 months.
And they’re reportedly so eager to sign the footie icon that they’re willing to give him a stake in the club.
GETTYDavid Beckham will look to lure Lionel Messi to Inter Miami this summer[/caption]
Newcastle
The Toon’s mega-rich owners have, so far, been conservative with their spending – although the acquisitions they have made have well and truly transformed the team.
The Saudis no doubt had visions of making Newcastle a footie powerhouse when they replaced Mike Ashely at the St James’ Park helm.
And they could very well do that by convincing Messi – who is an ambassador for The Kingdom – to do what many footie fans around the world have long wanted him to do and move to the Premier League.
Al Nassr
Should Messi decide to end his career in Saudi, Pro League big boys Al Nassr will no doubt be interested in adding him to their squad.
That could pave the way for an unprecedented link-up with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo – who joined the club last December after leaving Manchester United.
The pair’s astronomical combined wages would be nothing but a drop in the ocean for Al-Nassr, who would have to worry more about managing the duo’s egos.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could end up playing for the same sideREX
Al Hilal
Al-Nassr’s league rivals Al-Hilal are already in hot pursuit of Messi – who many believe to be the greatest to ever play the beautiful game.
It was revealed last month that they’d offered him a contract worth a whopping £352million per season.
Messi may have several million banked away already, but even he’d be mad not to seriously entertain that mouthwatering offer.