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Lionel Messi will no longer play for Barcelona. In an official statement earlier tonight, Barcelona confirmed that the legendary Argentine will be leaving their club.
Undoubtedly their greatest ever player, Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona as a true hero having won every possible team and individual trophy with the Catalans. However, with Messi's future now uncertain, it raises the question as to which team he will be playing for next season.
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Only a handful of clubs will be able to afford Lionel Messi's wages
Messi's wages are astronomical and only a few clubs will be able to afford that. One of the game's greatest ever players could be on the move and we take a look at 5 possible destinations for the 6 time Ballon d'Or winner.
#5 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich might not be the first club to come to everyone's minds, but there is an outside chance that Lionel Messi could end up joining them. One of the few superclubs in world football which is in a solid financial position, Bayern Munich have the finances to afford Messi on a free transfer.
In recent years, the Bundesliga giants have focused on signing talented youngsters rather than well established older stars. But Lionel Messi is not just any other star.
One of the greatest players to ever play the game, Messi at the age of 34 is still capable of winning games single-handedly. Imagine a front 3 of Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi! Pretty fearsome, isn't it?
#4 Manchester United
Premier League clubs usually have the most financial power and it will come as no surprise to anyone if Lionel Messi plays in England next season. One of the biggest brands in football, Manchester United are capable of affording almost any player on the planet and they could decide to make an unexpected move for Messi.
Having said that, it is difficult to see Lionel Messi joining Manchester United over their cross-town rivals Manchester City. The Red Devils are still building a squad capable of winning the Premier League while City are already well established favorites.
Although Messi is 34, his salary will not be cheap and Manchester United, after having signed the likes of Sancho and Varane, might decide to pass up on this opportunity.
Also Read: Official - Barcelona and Lionel Messi part ways
#3 Chelsea
Chelsea have been linked with big money moves for Romelu Lukaku and Erling Haaland in this transfer window, but the availability of Lionel Messi might just put a new twist on their transfer plans.
The current European champions have never been shy of splashing the cash and Roman Abramovich could be very interested in getting a true global superstar to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea can afford Lionel Messi financially, but it will be interesting to see if the London club do make an offer for the 34-year-old. The addition of Lionel Messi to Chelsea's squad could make Thomas Tuchel's team absolutely unbeatable.
#2 Manchester City
The potential reunion between Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has been discussed plenty of times before. Although the move makes sense both financially and stylistically, they are #2 on the list because they just signed Jack Grealish for £100 million. They also gave the Englishman the coveted #10 jersey.
After making such a huge outlay on Grealish, City could be hesitant to spend a huge amount of money on Lionel Messi as well. The Argentine legend will have no problem adjusting to Pep Guardiola's style of play and it will be interesting to see if the Cityzens do actually pursue Messi's signing actively.
Kevin De Bruyne and Lionel Messi could completely dominate the Premier League together if a potential move for Messi does indeed go through.
#1 Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain are definitely the favorites to sign Lionel Messi. However, managing the wages of superstars like Neymar, Mbappe, Wijnaldum, Ramos together with that of Messi's could become bothersome.
Lionel Messi and Neymar reuniting will certainly cause opposition defenders plenty of nightmares. With Kylian Mbappe not yet agreeing a new contract, the potential departure of the French superstar could open the door for Messi to sign for PSG.
With the squad they already have, PSG are definitely among the top contenders to challenge for the UEFA Champions League trophy next season. If you add Lionel Messi to the mix, PSG will go from being one of the contenders to definite favorites to claim Europe's top prize.
Also read: Twitter explodes as Lionel Messi officially leaves Barcelona
