Inter Miami have been given a major boost in their bold attempt to sign Lionel Messi – with reports in France saying the World Cup winner is unsure about staying in Paris.
Messi’s current contract with European heavyweight Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season in May and talks have been held about extending the terms of the Argentina icon.
But according to French publication L’Equipe on Wednesday, Messi is growing increasingly unsure about staying in France and Inter Miami are in pole position to sign him.
Messi heading to the United States would be sensational for Major League Soccer and its growing reputation across the world.
Lionel Messi is said to be unsure about where he’ll play after the current European season© Provided by Daily Mail
MLS team Inter Miami want to sign him and Messi’s family are said to be keen on the USA© Provided by Daily Mail
Miami are founded by David Beckham and Messi could grow his brand being in America © Provided by Daily Mail
Inter Miami is owned by David Beckham and coached by his former Manchester United teammate Phil Neville.
L’Equipe adds that Messi’s family like the idea of living in the United States. Messi has a home in Miami and is known to regularly holiday there
Messi is married to his childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo and they have had three sons together.
Sportsmail reported last November that Miami and Messi were close to agreeing terms on a potential deal – salary cap rules in American soccer would stop Messi earning anything like the $1.45m-a-week he gets in Paris at present but the chance to build his brand in America could prove to be even more lucrative.
The 35-year-old Messi would still command a wage that would make him the best paid soccer player ever in the US.
Last month, when Miami returned for training ahead of the upcoming MLS season starting in February, coach Neville refused to rule out a swoop for Messi.
‘We want to bring the best players in the world to this club and he is probably the best player, so for us the landscape has not changed at all,’ Neville said.
‘With any deal for any DP (Designated Player) of that level, it’s complicated. It takes time.’
Neville was speaking alongside Miami captain Gregore, who also did little to downplay any interest in Messi.
Messi was sensational at the World Cup as he spearheaded Argentina’s charge to glory© Provided by Daily Mail
But the 35-year-old could be playing his final season at French team Paris Saint-Germain © Provided by Daily Mail
‘Why not? I believe it could happen,’ he said. ‘Players around the world view MLS as a great league.
‘If Messi comes, I would be happy because I like to play with the best and learn from them.’
Messi has played 25 times for PSG this season, scoring 15 goals but his team lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
If Munich wins the return game and knocks PSG out the tournament, the scrutiny over Messi’s future will intensify and questions will be asked if he will ever play in Europe’s elite club competition again.
Messi starred at the World Cup in Qatar last year, scoring seven goals to propel his nation to World Cup glory and finally get his hands on the trophy that has evaded him throughout his career.
Source: msn
