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Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines in December when he publicly challenged Lionel Messi to join him in Serie A. Messi has at times criticized for spending his entire career in La Liga and could potentially silence critics with a change of scenery.
Given the economics involved with a potential transfer, it may be difficult for Messi to join Cristiano in Serie A. The other teams in the division are significantly behind Juve in terms of quality and will struggle to overtake them with Ronaldo still at an insane level.
That said, Messi could still quell the doubters by moving to one of Europe’s other top leagues. Whilst it is a select few clubs, there are definitely options out there for Messi that would gladly pay both his wages and transfer fee. Let’s look at the top 4 potential transfer destinations for Messi, including the best option in Serie A if he wants to stick it to Ronaldo.
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#4 Manchester United
With Ronaldo still being held in very high regard at Old Trafford, Messi joining the Red Devils could definitely shift the narrative in his favour. As one of the highest earning clubs in world football, United would definitely have the financial resources to pull off this transfer.
Whilst they are admittedly a step down from Barcelona, this would provide a huge challenge for Messi. If he could lead this United squad to a title against the likes of Liverpool and Man City, we may have to re-open the Ronaldo vs Messi debate.
Moreover, it would be a strong spot for Messi to prove himself in the world’s most competitive league. The absence of Ronaldo has further watered down La Liga and it just isn’t really a challenge for him at this point.
#3 Inter Milan
If Messi really wants to take on Ronaldo’s public challenge, he’d be best served going to a Serie A club. Whilst most of these sides lack the financial resources to pull this type of transfer off, Inter Milan appear to be the most likely.
They are one of the more financially ambitious sides in Italy and are likely to free up some extra funds this Summer with the projected sale of Mauro Icardi. Currently sitting in 3rd place in Serie A, this represents one of Messi’s better chances to compete with Ronaldo.
If he could lead this Inter side to the Serie A title, he’d be considered almost as big a God as he is in Barcelona. Especially if he could combine this with deep runs in the domestic cup and Champions League, he may even edge ahead of Ronaldo. That said, this transfer does represent a very significant step down in quality from what he has in Barca.
#2 Liverpool
As by far and away the most competitive league in world football, Liverpool could be another solid place for Messi to make his Premier League debut. They’ve had one of the best seasons in their storied history, yet still face the very real risk of losing the Premier League to Man City.
Whilst Messi may not necessarily be able to adapt to the scouse accent, he could be a strong fit on the field for Liverpool. He would likely excel in the false 9 role currently occupied by Roberto Firmino, but would also be strong on either wing. Given the struggles Liverpool have gone through this decade, landing Messi could be the changing of the guard.
Especially with Ronaldo’s success at Man United, Messi dominating with Liverpool would have some poetic justice to it. Liverpool are one of the few sides with the financial resources to bring Messi in, but it may be too tough a transition for the Argentinian to make.
#1 Manchester City
Far and away the most logical transfer destination for Messi is Manchester City. From a stylistic perspective, he’d join arguably the world’s best football side and reunite with former manager Pep Guardiola.
He is also more than familiar with Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, two very high-ranking executives at City. Known for their ample financial resources since the takeover by Sheikh Mansour, City would have no issues stumping up the transfer fee and wages for Messi.
Especially given the competitive nature of the Premier League, this would mark the most seamless transition possible for Lio. With City having yet to win a Champions League trophy so far, partly because of Messi, bringing one to the blue side of Manchester could be great for his legacy. Messi would undoubtedly improve Europe’s strongest side and could produce some thrilling Champions League contests with Ronaldo at Juve.
