Lionel Messi Leaving? Five Possible Destinations

The entire footballing world was put into shock on Tuesday evening as Barcelona star man Lionel Messi broke the internet after reports around Spain and the world as a whole made the rounds that the Argentina Captain has sent a message to the Catalan club, stating that he wishes to leave the Camp Nou, a ground where he has called home for almost two decades.

The news came as a mini earthquake in the hearts of not just Barça fans, but football fans all around the world as the thought of Lionel Messi playing in a jersey that’s not the red and blue of Barcelona just doesn’t make sense.

After the 8-2 humiliation against Bayern Munich which fans could have made a fortune from with Betway referral code, Barcelona fans and members have called for a total restructuring.

Technical Director Eric Abidal already stepped down from his role at the club while now ex-Coach Quique Setien was sacked and replaced by former player Ronald Koeman.

A lot of exit rumours as well well as changes to the side have been flying around the media this past week, but now, the largest blow to Barça fans is about to land, their saviour is about to make use of the exit door.

A lot of people might have different interpretations of Messi’s actions. He could be tired of the current situation of the team and wants to spend his last years elsewhere, or he could just be pulling a stunt to shake the current board and force the Preside Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign.

However, one can deny the fact that this is the closest Messi has been to leaving the club since his debut in 2004. Barça have reportedly made it known to him that they have no intention of letting him go, but we cannot deny the fact that Messi has a foot outside the Camp Nou already. In this article, we briefly list five possible destinations for the left-footed talisman.

1. Manchester City – 70% chance

If Messi is to leave Barça, reuniting with Pep Guardiola in a system that seems very favourable would be the way, and this is a possible outcome.

The only reason we didn’t rank the chances to be 100% is that Barcelona are reportedly in a tussle with Messi’s entourage, stating the Argentine cannot leave for free this summer.

This means if City are to lure Messi out of his home, they’ll have to pay a lot. But then, City just survived a scary punishment for breaking the FFP rule and will want to take it really easy while going on this one. However, it’s a fact that their system and sporting plan is the most suitable for Messi.

2. Paris Saint Germain – 60% chance

Spoiler: The third club on this list is Manchester United, that’s because they’re a rich club. But then, PSG is another wealthy football club and are only different from Man United in that they have a better sporting project.

PSG have a goal to be the best team in the world and are ready to sign any hot name in the market. President Al-Khelaifi will definitely not want to miss a rare opportunity to bring the best player of all time to France.

His only limitation now is the club’s poor relationship with Barcelona because of the Neymar transfer. Hence he’ll have to pay the release clause of 700 million, which is huge.

3. Manchester United – 55% chance

The reason why Man United are very high up this list is because of one reason: they have the money to get Messi to England. United are a big club, they’re not scared of breaking the FFP rule, and they have a massive fanbase waiting in line to purchase a Messi number 10 shirt, which could be enough to pay his wages.

Although Man United’s sporting project looks shaky and their Board of Directors is similar to Barcelona’s, there’s a very decent chance of this happening.

4. Chelsea FC – 50% chance

Well, this isn’t very much feasible because Chelsea have already spent a lot of money on huge names in preparation for next season. But we know they have a wealthy owner in Roman Abramovich.

An extraordinary businessman, Abramovich won’t want to pass on the opportunity to sign Messi as it would be a glorious investment to bring such name to the Stamford Bridge.

Roman is capable of paying Messi’s transfer fee and his wages, wouldn’t bat an eye. the major issue here is if Leo will say yes to being part of the sporting project.

5. Newell’s Old Boys – 40% chance

Messi once said he isn’t going to play for any other European Club aside Barça, and if he has to leave, he’ll only return to his boyhood club, this makes Newell’s a very realistic option for him. But the downside is that Messi is just 33 and is still playing at the top level, it will be nonsensical to see him play outside Europe as he is still arguably the best player in the world. Anything can happen, though.