Which clubs can sign Lionel Messi?
What's the story
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi handed in a transfer request, saying that he wants to leave the club after plying his trade for close to two decades. According to Associated Press, Barcelona have confirmed that Messi sent a document expressing his desire to leave. Any club would want to sign the Argentine, however, only a few can afford him. Here we look at his options.
Man City
Manchester City are the favorites to land Messi
As per reports, Manchester City are viewed as the current odds-on favorite to land Messi. City have the resources and can meet his wage expectations. Messi will feel the comforts working with Pep Guardiola and the backroom staff of Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain, who were also previously alongside him at Barcelona. Guardiola can get the best out of Messi and things can work.
Man United
Manchester United are making a serious attempt to lure Messi
According to a report in Spanish national television network Cuatro, Manchester United are making a serious attempt to lure the Argentine. United are yet to sign a player this summer and could make an audacious bid for the legend. Besides United, the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal may also fancy their chances. However, it remains to be seen if they can match City.
PSG
Messi could team up with Neymar at PSG
Paris Saint-Germain, who were the beaten finalists in the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 season, have the resources and firepower just like Man City to get Messi. PSG can outbid anyone in the market and the prospect of re-uniting Messi with Neymar could tempt the French champions. As per reports, Neymar's departure from Barca in 2017 is one of Messi's many sources of discontent.
Inter
Inter Milan are in the mix
Italian club Inter Milan are also in the mix and could entice Messi. They finished second in the Serie A and were the runners-up in Europa League. Messi maintains a good relation with Inter's director of football Javier Zanetti. Inter's Chinese owners, Suning Holdings, are desperate to reach the top. Reports stated that club president Steven Zhang had held talks with Messi's representatives.
Information
Could Messi head back to Argentina?
Messi had mentioned in the past that he would ideally love to play for his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys before retiring. However, Messi is 33 and he knows that there are a few years left in his tank of playing at the top level.