Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi will reportedly look to move to a more competitive league to better prepare for the FIFA World Cup next year. His decision has put European giants Barcelona and Manchester City on high alert.
The report comes after Inter Miami suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 38-year-old cut a frustrating figure as his teammates failed to read his intentions and plays throughout the match.
Lionel Messi Considers a Move Away from Inter Miami After PSG Drubbing
In the aftermath of Lionel Messi’s Club World Cup exit, Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic took shots at Inter Miami. He called Miami a ‘circus’ and claimed Messi would still thrive in a real team.
As per Esteban Edul of ESPN Argentina, Messi could indeed leave the Herons in the coming months. Messi is considering leaving Inter Miami and the MLS to play in a more competitive league. The Barcelona legend reportedly feels that playing in a tougher league would help him prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
🚨 Zlatan Ibrahimovic: "Leo Messi didn’t lose, Inter Miami did! Messi is playing with statues, not teammates. He’s surrounded by players who run as if they’re carrying bags of cement!
"If he were in a real team, in any big team, you’d see the real lion. Messi plays only because… pic.twitter.com/jOeFCiEfJk
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 29, 2025
Additionally, Adul claimed that contract talks between Inter Miami and Messi have stalled. If they do not tie him down before December 31, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will leave as a free agent. Even if he extends his deal with Inter Miami, a loan move in January remains a possibility.
As highlighted by the matchup between PSG and Inter Miami, there is a gulf in quality between MLS and top European leagues. So, it is understandable that Messi might want to move to a league tougher than MLS to gear up for the World Cup next year.
Barcelona and Manchester City on High Alert as Lionel Messi Ponders Inter Miami Future
With Lionel Messi’s future in the air, two European giants have emerged as clear favourites in the race for the Argentine: Barcelona and Manchester City. Outside of Europe, Newell’s Old Boys remains the favourite to secure a move.
Barcelona
Barcelona, the beloved boyhood club of Lionel Messi, have always held a special place in his heart. He has vowed to return to the Catalan capital in one form or the other in the coming years. Now, there is a chance that he could return halfway through the 2025/26 campaign.
In a previous interview, Sergio Aguero, a close friend of Messi, urged him to return to Barcelona, saying there was a 50% chance of it happening.
🎙️ “Will Messi be present at the Camp Nou opening in summer 2026?”
🗣️ Elena Fort (Economic VP):
— “A tribute to Lionel Messi must take place at Camp Nou when the stadium is 100% complete. And that will definitely happen because he is the best player in Barcelona's history.” pic.twitter.com/yxiTuPHSDa
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) June 29, 2025
The former Manchester City striker said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“My feeling is that there is a 50% chance that Leo Messi will return at Barça.
“I think that Leo should retire at Barça. Barcelona is his home, he has to finish his career here. Laporta has to make an effort in bringing back Leo.”
Hansi Flick’s side conquered Spain last season, but fell flat in Europe. Adding a player of Messi’s experience and ability could help them conquer the continent.
Manchester City
Premier League giants Manchester City have also been frequently linked with Lionel Messi. Man City boss Pep Guardiola is a massive admirer of Messi, while club owner Sheikh Mansoor is also a big fan. After the criticism Man City have received following the loss to Al Hilal, bringing Messi could help the club win over their supporters.
Mansoor wanted to sign Messi shortly after buying Manchester City in 2008. But Barca did not entertain an offer for their La Masia superstar.
🔵✨ Pep Guardiola: “Cristiano Ronaldo was a monster, and the father of the monster is Leo Messi”. pic.twitter.com/JnJh13khXW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 29, 2024
Guardiola reportedly held talks with Messi before his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. However, the Parisiens reacted swiftly to get the deal done.
With a potential loan move on the cards, a switch to Man City is probable. Messi would benefit from the higher level of football in the Premier League. Man City youngsters, meanwhile, would get to learn from arguably the best player in football history.
Newell’s Old Boys
Lionel Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, could also be a potential destination. They compete in Torneo Apertura, the top flight of Argentine football. Although not as competitive as the top European leagues, Torneo Apertura is markedly tougher than MLS.
Playing in the league ahead of the World Cup could help him stay in top shape for the FIFA World Cup next year.
