Lionel Messi back to Barcelona? Ronald Koeman on why MLS or Saudi Arabia move is more likely
Former Barcelona player and coach Ronald Koeman believes Lionel Messi is more likely to head for MLS or the Middle East than return to Camp Nou.
- Argentine running down deal at PSG
- Set to hit free agency this summer
- Linked with clubs around the world
WHAT HAPPENED? The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is generating plenty of speculation regarding his future intentions as his two-year contract at Paris Saint-Germain runs down towards free agency. Messi has offered no indication that he will be committing to fresh terms in France, meaning that a new challenge will be taken on this summer – with supporters at Parc des Princes turning against him. An emotional retracing of steps to Catalunya has been mooted for the all-time great, but Koeman believes the Argentine icon will end up following close friends to either America or Saudi Arabia.
WHAT THEY SAID: Koeman, who worked with the 2022 World Cup winner between August 2020 and the summer of 2021, has told ESPN: “I do not think Messi will return to Barcelona. [Sergio] Busquets will leave, Jordi Alba will not stay either and these three are good friends. I wouldn’t be surprised if they went to Miami or Saudi Arabia together.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Ongoing financial struggles at Barcelona are making it difficult for them to put a move for Messi in place, along with any other targets, and Koeman believes club president Joan Laporta is talking up a deal for Messi because he wants to improve his image in the eyes of those that hold him responsible for the South American’s surprise departure. The Dutchman added: “Laporta wants to save face because he’s known as the man who let Messi go.”
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WHAT NEXT? Messi has been linked with David Beckham co-owned MLS outfit Inter Miami for some time, while Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are said to have a record-breaking £400 million ($498m) contract offer ready for the 35-year-old forward to sign.
