Lionel Messi s future: 5 clubs that may become his next destination

Lionel Messi's contract at Miami International will expire in December 2025. Speculations about the future of the superstar have also begun to be widely discussed.

Messi is said to want to experience more challenging competition before the 2026 World Cup. Returning to the Europa League is considered the most reasonable option.

Although there has been no decision on whether to extend the contract, some top clubs are ready to face the opportunity. Messi is indeed no longer young, but his influence on the court is still huge.

Elite clubs in Europe still regard Messi as an asset with great technical and commercial value. With his experience and quality, he can still make a huge impact in a short period of time.

The following are five clubs that have the potential to become a new destination for Leonel Messi if he chooses to leave MLS.

1. Manchester City

Lionel Messi's appearance could be an immediate solution to Manchester City's loss of offensive organizers. Without De Bruyne, Manchester City lost a major source of creativity.

Indeed, Messi cannot play at high intensity like Guardiola's oppressive play. But Pep will certainly give him some ease in order to regain the players he is familiar with.

Guardiola even compared Messi and De Bruyne's vision abilities in an interview. “Messi is the best passer I’ve ever seen because he always does that near the penalty area, but De Bruyne has also reached that level,” he said early this year.

2. Al Hilal has not given up on his efforts to attract Leonel Messi to Saudi Arabia. The club plans to meet with Jorge Messi to explore transfer opportunities this season.

Last year, they made a offer of £1 billion, but were eventually rejected. Now, with still strong financial strength, they will try again.

If Messi is interested in leaving MLS, the Saudi Professional League may not be an ideal destination. But at least, this transfer can once again bring his classic showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo at the club level.

3. Barcelona

Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona feels like a distant dream now. In football, however, nothing is impossible – everything can change in an instant.

With 778 games and 672 goals for the Red and Blues, Messi still has great influence. Under Hansey Flick's guidance, being an attacking midfielder is probably the best character for the legend.

Flick himself has expressed his appreciation for Messi, especially Messi's attention to young players. For this German coach, Messi's praise is a huge incentive for the new generation of Barcelona.

4. Naples

Rumored by Lionel Messi to Naples, there is no strong foundation yet, but it is still exciting. Especially considering that Maradona's shadow still lingers in the city of Naples.

Antonio Conte has conveyed his ambitions to Naples by introducing Kevin De Bruyne. Now fans can only hope Messi will be the next surprise. The dual-core combination between Messi and De Bruyne will be a Serie A dream. Although it is not certain, this imagination is enough to make football fans look forward to it.

5. Inter Milan has tried twice to introduce Lionel Messi, although neither of them was successful. 2025 may be the third possible introduction opportunity. Messi's presence will allow him to meet his compatriot Rafael Martinez again. Inter Milan is also looking for an experienced player to enhance the attack power of the frontcourt.

Club Vice Chairman Javier Zanetti has admitted that he has discussed possible transfers with Messi. Despite acknowledging that Inter Milan cannot compete financially, hopes of introducing the legend have not yet been extinguished.