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Lionel Messi's career will go down as one of the greatest ever witnessed in the game's history. The Argentine joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old in 2001 and progressed through the youth ranks before establishing himself in the first team.
He would lead the club to its most successful era - between 2008 and 2012 - scoring goals and winning trophies galore. In the last few years, Messi has redefined greatness in the game. Apart from winning multiple titles with club and country, the Argentine has also claimed almost all the coveted awards in the sport.
However, at 34, Messi is in the twilight of his career. In fact, the Argentine could think of hanging his boots in the next few years. On that note, here's a look at five clubs where he could end his career:
#5 Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi ended his 21-year association with Barcelona last summer to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. The Argentine signed a two-year contract at the Parc des Princes, with the option to extend it by a year.
By the time the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner runs out his deal with the French giants, he would be 36 (or 37 if he triggers his one-year extension option). At that age, there may not be much for the Argentine to accomplish, and he could call time on his illustrious career.
#4 New York City FC
Lionel Messi has always admitted that he'd love to play in the MLS at some point in his career. During an interview with La Sexta in December 2020, the attacker opened up on his MLS desire, saying (via Mirror):
"I always said that I have the impression that I would like to enjoy the experience of living in the United States, of living in that league and that life, but if it happens or not, I don't know."
Should Messi decide to end his career in the MLS, New York City FC could be a decent option. The attraction of New York, the marketing potential and the opportunity to prolong his career make the club an enticing destination for Messi.
#3 Inter Miami
David Beckham's MLS franchise Inter Miami is another plausible option for Lionel Messi to end his career. The Argentine has been linked with a move to the Miami-based club for quite some time. So it wouldn't be a surprise if he ends up making the switch.
According to reports, Beckham fancies the idea of uniting Messi and his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo at Inter Miami. Rumors suggest the former England midfielder is already pulling the strings to make it happen, and the duo could end up retiring at the club.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that Messi's former Argentina teammate Gonzalo Higuain is currently plying his trade at the club. It remains to be seen if that could act as a catalyst in convincing the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner to move to Miami.
#2 Newell's Old Boys
Lionel Messi's boyhood club Newell's Old Boys is another possible destination where the attacker could end his career. During an interview in 2016, the playmaker reiterated his desire to play for the Argentina-based outfit. He said (via FotMob):
"If I go back to Argentina tomorrow, which I would love, the club I would play for would be Newell's."
Messi continued:
"As I said before, I do not know when it will be, or whether it will be or not. Now if I think of the day, and if that occurs, it will be in several years. I can assure you that I would love to play in the Argentine league and for Newell's, but from there it depends on many things."
#1 Barcelona
The bond between Lionel Messi and Barcelona goes beyond words. It was quite clear that the Argentine wasn't willing to part ways with the club of his life last summer. However, Barca's precarious financial situation and La Liga's salary cap left him with no other option.
Nevertheless, many are still tipping Messi to return and retire at Barcelona. There is no doubt fans, players and his former colleagues at Camp Nou would welcome Messi with open arms.
Shortly after his departure, the playmaker revealed that he would love to return to the club at some point in the future, saying in this regard (via Football Espana):
"I have always said that I was going to return to Barcelona in some moment, because it was my home and I lived there. I would always like to help the club in whatever way I can and obviously, if I can contribute and help the club, I would love to return."
