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Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time and the finest footballer in Barcelona’s history. He has won 5 Ballon d’Ors, 4 UEFA Champions League and 9 LaLiga titles for Barcelona in his 14 years’ association with them. He has also scored 572 goals from 656 matches for the Blaugrana and remains one of the highest goal-scorers of all time.
It is very unlikely that he would ever leave Barca and should end his playing career there only. However, things can change rapidly in football and he might end up playing at another European club in future.
Messi has recently expressed a desire to play in Serie A following Cristiano Ronaldo’s casual invitation to join him there. Speculations have been made regarding his possible departure to Napoli to relive the magic created there by fellow Argentine great Diego Maradona.
However, every club cannot afford to sign a player like Messi and Napoli do not seem to have the financial clout for the same. It can also be safely assumed that he would not go to any other Spanish club given his association with Barcelona.
Therefore, just for the sake of it, we take a look at 3 clubs Messi might leave Barca for in the future:
#1 Inter Milan
With Ronaldo already at Juventus and Milan facing some sanctions from UEFA, Inter seem to be the only Italian club capable of signing Messi, should he decide to go to the Serie A.
Inter regularly play in the Champions League and have the necessary financial clout and fanbase to sign a player like Messi. Also, Inter has been home to a lot of Argentine players traditionally. Players like Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Walter Samuel and Hernan Crespo have had distinguished spells with the Italian giants.
Inter also have some exciting players like Mauro Icardi, Matteo Politano and Ivan Perisic in their line-up and Messi’s inclusion could boost them considerably. Also, Messi might be eager to test himself against the tough defences of Serie A clubs.
Therefore, Inter seem to be an ideal destination for him from every possible perspective. However, it is upto Messi to decide whether he wants to take such a risk in the twilight of his career.
#2 Manchester City
Messi has already been linked to City as they have the necessary financial clout and recent success to sign him. Moreover, former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola now manages City and would definitely like to have his former protégé in his team.
City has won the Premier League on a few occasions, but have not won the Champions League yet, and Messi might be the talisman they need in order to achieve that goal.
The Cityzens have some very exciting players like David Silva, Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne in their attack and would be further bolstered if Messi joins them.
Moreover, Messi could also unite with his compatriot Sergio Aguero, who has been a legend for City. City’s playing style under Guardiola also resembles that of Barca and Messi would definitely feel at home if he joins the English Champions. The gloss and glamour of Premier League could also be an added attraction for him.
#3 Manchester United
The best-supported club in the world might also be the perfect destination for world’s most famous footballer. United are going through a rough phase now, but things might change with the appointment of a new manager in future and Messi could ponder playing for them.
United are one of the most prestigious brands in world football and Messi might want to hang up his boots after having played for them.
Fellow Argentines like Juan Sebastian Veron, Gabriel Heinze and Marcus Rojo have played for United and Messi could follow their foot-steps to play on the hallowed turf of Old Trafford.
However, for that to happen, United would have to improve upon their current form considerably and be a genuine contender to win the Premier League and Champions League.
It might sound unlikely at the moment, but Messi could very well play for the English giants a couple of seasons from now.
