Major League Soccer teams could work together to bankroll a sensational move to bring Lionel Messi to the United States – and if it happens, the Argentina star would be allowed to choose which MLS team he plays for, according to reports in Spain.
Messi’s contract at PSG expires at the end of June and Inter Miami have been strongly linked with a stunning swoop for the Argentina World Cup winner. But the 35-year-old has wages that come in at around $1.1million-a-week, which would breach the US league’s financial restrictions.
Now, according to Spanish publication Sport, all 29 MLS clubs are in talks regarding a special structure that would see them all contribute money if Messi makes the move Stateside.
MLS chiefs believe that if Messi was to join, it would boost the profile of the game before the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Each of the MLS clubs would fund part of Messi’s £900,000-a-week ($1.1m) salary if the deal went ahead and the star attacker could take his pick of which team he would play for – be it in Miami, New York, Los Angeles or Atlanta, who currently have an Argentina international teammate of Messi’s in Thiago Almada.
Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi has been linked with a move to the MLS this summer
World Cup winner Messi is weighing up his options and may choose to leave PSG
David Beckham is a part-owner of Inter Miami and is keen for Messi to join the team
Furthermore, a move Stateside would give Messi a huge platform to grow his brand and in a fairly untapped market for him.
The Spanish report adds that US teams would be happy to ultimately pay to play against Messi because his presence would mean the money involved for MLS television rights would spiral.
Messi has not commented on where he sees his future beyond the end of Europe’s club season, despite Miami launching the charm offensive to bring him to the United States.
Sportsmail first reported during the World Cup in Qatar that David Beckham’s team had make a breakthrough trying to convince him to head to the States. Miami have also been linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets – one of Messi’s former Nou Camp teammates.
And Miami coach Phil Neville has made no attempt whatsoever to downplay the team’s interest.
He said in February: ‘I’m not going to deny [it and say] there isn’t truth in the speculation that we’re interested in Lionel Messi.
‘We want to bring the best players in the world to this football club. Messi and Busquets are the two that stand out more in recent years. They’re great players who would still be a massive benefit to this organization. For MLS, it would be a game-changer.’
And earlier this month, Neville underlined the interest by saying: ‘I think this would be probably the biggest signing in history. I can’t think of another star of that magnitude to come from a major footballing country to this place.
Messi’s Argentina teammate Thiago Almada (second right) also plays in Major League Soccer
Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona but the club have major financial problems
It has been suggested Messi would want to remain in Europe if he was to leave PSG
‘This is maybe similar (to Beckham’s arrival), but maybe even bigger. I think you’re talking about one of the greatest footballers of all time. When you talk about Miami, we have to be in for players like that, you know?’
Messi has a house in Miami and it has been reported that his family would like to live in the States. Sport, however, claim that Messi would prefer to remain in Europe if he is to leave PSG in June.
Since joining PSG in 2021, Messi has scored 29 goals and provided 32 assists across 66 appearances for the club.
Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent the vast majority of his illustrious career, but his former club are currently enduring significant financial problems.
Inter Milan and Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have also been linked with Messi.
Last season Messi won the Ligue 1 title with PSG and they look set to retain the trophy this campaign – they are currently seven points clear of their closest challengers Marseille.
PSG were, though, knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the last-16 stage.
As well as hosting the 2026 World Cup, the 2024 Copa America will also be held in the United States next summer.
Messi turns 36 in June and while the next World Cup might not be on his radar as a player, next year’s competition with his country may appear a more realistic target.
SRC: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
