“That will be his destiny” - Journalist confirms Lionel Messi’s next club amid interest from Barcelona, Saudi and MLS clubs
Renowned Argentine reporter Hernan Castillo has said that Barcelona legend Lionel Messi will sign for Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami this month.
With his Paris Saint-Germain contract expiring on June 30, speculation about Messi’s future has been at a high. According to multiple reports, three clubs are in the running for Messi’s services this summer: Barcelona, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and MLS outfit Inter Miami.
Messi's entourage has reportedly been holding meetings with potential suitors, and Castillo is confident that the Argentina icon will eventually choose Inter Miami.
Castillo tweeted:
“I tell you on @Continental590 from 19 to 21 (June), Messi will play for Inter Miami. No more meetings. That will be his destiny.”
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently held a meeting with the 35-year-old’s agent and father, Jorge Messi. The cash-strapped Spanish champions, though, were reportedly unable to present an official offer in that meeting.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, meanwhile, remain keen on signing the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner. They're prepared to pay him close to a record €1 billion over a two-year stay.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, sent in their offer last week. As per Spanish outlet SPORT, they're willing to pay him €50 million per season for four years.
Lionel Messi and Marco Verratti exchange heartfelt messages following confirmation of Argentine superstar’s PSG exit
PSG midfield maestro Marco Verratti recently took to Instagram to wish Lionel Messi all the best for the next chapter of his life. Verratti hailed the Argentinian as the best player in the world, saying it was a privilege to share the pitch with him.
He posted an image of him hugging Messi with the caption:
“As a player you are the best of all but as a person you are even better. good luck to you and your family on your new experience. It was great sharing these 2 years with you leomessi”
Messi was quick to respond with kind words, thanking Verratti for his kind words:
“Thank you so much for everything in these two years. I didn't know you personallym and you helped me from day one. It was a pleasure to have shared the court with you and much more everything I lived outside, Marco! Big hug. @marco_verratti92”
Verratti and Lionel Messi played 57 games together for PSG across the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, combining for one goal. The pair won two Ligue 1 titles and one Trophée des Champions during their time together.