Superstar footballer Lionel Messi bid farewell to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as he announced his departure from the French club, playing his final game on Sunday. In a surprising turn of events, rumors circulated that Messi had turned down an offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, indicating that his next destination remains uncertain–although reports indicate talks are underway to join Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami, according to reports by the BBC and The Athletic.
Speculation intensified as to where Messi would continue his illustrious career, with Saudi Arabia being mentioned due to his existing business ties in the region. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding his future plans.
According to CNN, they have reached out to various parties, including Major League Soccer (MLS), Inter Miami, Messi’s representative, and David Beckham, who is part of Inter Miami’s ownership team, for comments but had not received a response at the time of writing.
Messi’s emotional departure from Barcelona in 2021 left fans heartbroken. Financial mismanagement within the club, compounded by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, prevented Barcelona from extending Messi’s contract, leading to his tearful departure.
During his two seasons at PSG, Messi achieved success, winning two Ligue 1 titles. However, the elusive UEFA Champions League trophy remained out of PSG’s grasp, marking a disappointing end to his time with the club.
Tensions arose when PSG suspended Messi for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia, which he later apologized for. This incident further added to the complexities surrounding his departure from the French capital.
Before joining PSG, Messi enjoyed a remarkable 17-year spell at Barcelona, where he transformed from a promising young talent to an iconic figure in the world of sports. His legacy at Barcelona remains unparalleled, adorned with numerous trophies and records.
As the football world eagerly awaits Messi’s next move, speculations are rife about potential destinations and new chapters in his extraordinary career. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the announcement that will determine the next phase of Lionel Messi’s illustrious journey.