Speculation surrounding the future of Lionel Messi re-emerged yesterday after a report from ESPN Argentina claimed the Inter Miami star was considering a short-term loan to get him in peak condition for next summer’s World Cup.
Messi is intending to lead his country in the defence of the title they won in Qatar but fears a four-month layoff over winter followed by three months of Major League Soccer may leave him short of top-level competition.
Messi’s current contract expires at the end of this year but he is widely expected to commit to at least another 12 months in South Florida – and Miami are unlikely to stand in his way if, as part of the agreement, he decides to tune up for the World Cup elsewhere.
A Miami statement, released through Fabrizio Romano, read: “Messi is under contract until the end of 2025 and the reality is that both parties are interested in continuing the relationship.
“The necessary steps are being taken with the right mindset to make it happen.”
A short-term loan does appear to suit all parties but where would Messi go? Here, we examine the potential destinations for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The photo of the Club World Cup 🐐
Just simply, Lionel Messi.
(📸 Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/dFpGpTjKFB
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 30, 2025
Barcelona
The obvious choice but not without complications.
Messi moved to Catalonia aged 13 and made Barcelona his home, scoring 672 goals in 778 games. There is no doubt he would love an emotional return before retirement.
However, it may have to be on a massively reduced contract with Barcelona’s financial situation, although not as perilous as it was, remaining delicate.
Messi was willing to take a pay cut prior to joining Paris Saint-Germain and it may be he would do the same again.
A complicated relationship with Barca president Joan Laporta would also have to be overcome.
Paris Saint-Germain
Messi’s previous club and the new European champions.
PSG could afford whatever Messi wanted but the Argentine admitted to being “unhappy on a daily basis” during his two-year stint at the Parc des Princes and it seems highly unlikely he would want to endure that again.
It’s also unlikely PSG would want to return to signing the likes of Messi given they have moved on under Luis Enrique, who has built a team based around hungry, younger players.
Al-Hilal
Messi has worked as an ambassador for the Saudi Arabian Tourism Authority – a move that prompted criticism – but it remains uncertain whether he would view the Pro League as a massive step up from MLS.
The financial side certainly wouldn’t be a problem with Al-Hilal backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund.
One last dance of Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo, who has just renewed his contract with Al-Nassr, would certainly give Saudi the platform it craves.
Manchester City
Messi and City boss Pep Guardiola go back a long way.
And with the deposed Premier League champions having lost their sense of invincibility over the past 12 months, the signing of Messi would be a major signal of intent.
Whether Messi and his family would fancy a cold, wet winter in northern England is another question.
He would be box office in the self-titled ‘best league in the world’ and would generate an enormous buzz around England.
AC Milan
If Messi seeks counsel about a short-term loan in Europe he may turn to Miami co-owner David Beckham, who spent two spells with Milan while with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
His second was cut short after he tore his Achilles, however, ruling him out of contention for a place in the England squad for the 2010 World Cup.
Serie A is in desperate need of a superstar and Messi would fit the bill.
