“The Rupture: What’s Next for Lionel Messi After Departing PSG?”

Two words were emblazoned in large white letters on the front page of “L’Équipe” on Wednesday morning: La Rupture. In German: the break.

Pictured were Nasser Al-Khelaifi, representing Paris Saint-Germain, and Lionel Messi, whose departure from the French capital now seems to have been finally sealed.

The drop that broke the camel’s back in the already troubled relationship between the French top club and the seven-time world footballer was an allegedly unauthorized trip to the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.

While his team-mates sweated on the training ground after the embarrassing 3-1 defeat at home by FC Lorient, Messi smiled obediently at numerous cameras as the desert nation’s advertising ambassador. The photos of him, his wife Antonella and their sons went around the world.

PSG fans spurn Messi

The “rupture”, as “L’Équipe” puts it so beautifully, is said to have been in the making for some time.

According to well-connected transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Messi’s father and advisor Jorge told the capital club a month ago that the 35-year-old, contrary to what was assumed after the World Cup in December, no longer wants to be part of Qatar’s multimillion-dollar project.

The love, if there ever was between the two parties in the past two years, has grown cold. Because of the lack of success; PSG have already suffered nine bankruptcies in the 2023 calendar year and failed in the round of 16 of the Champions League for the second time in a row; but also due to Messi’s lack of commitment to the club.

FC Barcelona: Back to old love

What speaks for it: Actually everything that has nothing to do with money. Unlike in Paris, the beloved number ten in Barcelona has continued to be worshiped like a god since his tearful departure in the summer of 2021.

According to consistent media reports, a return is also Messi’s preferred option. His father met with Barça President Joan Laporta in the Catalan capital back in February. Presumably also to explore the feasibility of a change.

Since then, not only the Barça president has been making eyes at him, but also Messi’s former teammate and current Blaugrana coach Xavi. “I’ve said many times that Barcelona is his home and that the doors are open to him. That’s all I can say. He’s a friend of mine and we’re in constant contact,” said the 43-year-old.

What speaks against it: Basically anything to do with money. ‎Barça is still in debt in the high hundreds of millions. Savings are made at every nook and cranny.

On June 30th, after 24 years, the club’s own TV station ‎Barça‎-TV will be shut down. A measure that is said to cost 130 employees their jobs.

In order to comply with national financial fair play rules, the current leaders of La Liga must also reduce player salary costs by more than 200 million euros in the coming season.

A return of Messi seems utopian given his current salary of 40 million euros. In the meantime, it can be doubted that the prodigal son is willing to drastically reduce his salary. After all, that was one of the reasons why he left the Spanish metropolis two years ago.

Al-Hilal: Reunion with Ronaldo

What speaks for it: 400 million reasons. The offer is said to be so high that the Saudi club made the Argentine on Thursday. In Euro. Yearly! At least that’s what the “Reuters” news agency reports, citing a source from Messi’s closest circle.

What speaks against it: Messi would like to continue playing at the highest level, preferably in Europe. He recently proved that he can still carry a team at the World Cup in Qatar, when he led Argentina to the World Cup title as leader and captain.

The Saudi Professional League, on the other hand, ranks 58th among the world’s football leagues in the global quality ranking of the “Twenty First Group”.

Inter Miami: Beckham licks his fingers

What speaks for it: David Beckham, co-owner of the US club, has long been credited with driving the idea of ​​eventually bringing Messi to South Florida. According to “The Athletic”, there have also been several meetings between Jorge Messi and the other two co-owners, Jorge and Jose Mas, in recent months.

Messi already owns a luxury apartment in the metropolis. A move to the States would make him the flagship of the league and give the MLS a lot more appeal.

What speaks against it: The North American professional league has upgraded significantly in recent years and lured stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Gareth Bale across the pond in the autumn of their careers, but it still lags behind the European leagues in terms of quality.

As with Al-Hilal, a move to Miami would also involve a sporting relegation. In addition, due to a salary cap in the league, the Florida club only has limited financial options to make a commitment palatable to Messi. At least for now.

Because MLS commissioner Don Garber indicated months ago at “The Athletic” that the league would try to find an exception for Messi. “We’re talking about what is probably the most talented player in the history of the sport,” Garber said. “If we can pull this off, we have to think outside the box.”