Barcelona star Lionel Messi has hinted that he would like to play in MLS one day
Barcelona star Lionel Messi has hinted that he would like to play in MLS one day. The Argentina international’s days at Camp Nou may be coming to an end soon and he will need need to decide on his next move. He is open to the idea of playing in America, as per a report written by Ari Liljenwall on the official MLS website.
"He has said: “I would like to play in the United States someday, it’s always been one of my dreams… but I don’t know if it will happen!“"
Messi will not be short of options and would have the pick of clubs in MLS. He joined Barca in 2001 and has enjoyed an extremely successful past two decades with the La Liga giants but may be seeking a fresh challenge now before he eventually calls time on his playing career.
Here are three American clubs who he could sign for over the pond.
New York City FC would be a great club for Lionel Messi
Messi was linked with Manchester City in the last transfer window in a saga that lasted a few weeks. He ended up staying at Barcelona for another season at least but that hasn’t stopped speculation of his eventual departure lingering on over the past couple of months. He has been on fire in La Liga so far this term, as usual, and has scored 10 goals in 18 games for Barca.
New York would be an attractive proposition for him. The location and city, the commercial potential, and the opportunity to prolong his playing career there make them an interesting option for him to consider over the next couple of years. They are also interestingly linked to Manchester City through the ‘City Group’s’ ownership, meaning a reunion with Pep Guardiola in England wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility if he were to rock up at New York in the near future.
They have also been the home to his former Barca teammate David Villa and ex-World Cup foe Andrea Pirlo over recent seasons so they have the capability and pulling power to lure the World’s biggest names to the club.
New York have never won the MLS Cup but if they were to bring Messi to the Yankee Stadium they would not only make sporting history, they would also throw themselves into some serious contention to win some silverware. He is a name for NYCFC fans and their manager, Ronny Delia, to keep tabs on.