Could Lionel Messi join an English club?! Bookmakers rate the chances of superstar swapping PSG for Man City, United, Chelsea… and even Newcastle!
Lionel Messi’s exit from Paris Saint-Germain has been confirmed, and the scramble to sign the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner now well and truly begins.
His exit was confirmed by PSG manager Christophe Galtier at a press conference on Thursday, revealing their clash against Clermont Foot on Saturday will be Messi’s last game for the French champions.
‘Clermont Foot will be Messi’s final game at PSG,’ said Galtier. ‘I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. It will be Leo’s last match at the Parc des Princes.’
Former club Barcelona have been favourites to sign Messi of late, while Inter Miami have emerged as a potential option. And, according to the latest odds from Paddy Power, Manchester City, Chelsea and even Newcastle are in with a shot.
It’s a move to Saudi Arabia which is deemed the most likely as things stand, according to the bookies, however. There have been suggestions that the World Cup winner could be on the verge of signing a lucrative deal with Saudi side Al-Hilal.
Lionel Messi could be off to Saudi Arabia after his exit from Paris Saint-Germain was confirmed
Manager Christophe Galtier revealed that Messi will play his last PSG game on Saturday night
Paddy Power have a move to any Saudi Pro League side as the most likely scenario for Messi, with odds of 7/10.
Next in the pecking order are Barcelona at 5/4, while Inter Miami are at 5/1. Manchester City, meanwhile, are at 14/1, with Chelsea at 33/1.
A sentimental return to Newell’s Old Boys, where Messi played during his youth career, is also on the cards at 33/1. As is an almost unthinkable move to Newcastle – who will be playing in the Champions League next season – who are down at 66/1.
Eddie Howe’s side are deemed more likely than Manchester United, with the Old Trafford club down at 125/1.
Messi departs after arriving in 2021 following his bombshell exit from Barcelona. The prolific forward has notched 21 goals and 20 asists for PSG this season and leaves the club with a total of 32 goals and 35 assists in 74 games.
Galtier insists the 36-year-old has maintained his professionalism throughout, and insits any criticism he gets is injustified. ‘This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available. I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified,’ he said.
‘He’s always been there for the team. It’s been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season.’
With Messi now looking for a new club, a move to Saudi Arabia is currently the odds-on favourite. Rumours last month claimed that Messi had been offered a contract worth £522million from Al-Hilal, despite the concerns of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo.
Messi leaves with a record of 32 goals and 35 assists in 74 games for the French champions
He has been linked with an emotional return to former club Barcelona, who he left in 2021
The Argentine World Cup winner is also heavily linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia
Messi’s father, Jorge, quickly shut down reports that a decision had been made about his son’s club for next season.
Taking to social media, Messi’s father said: ‘There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG.
‘Once the season is over it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision.
‘There are always rumors and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone.
‘Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.’
