Messi on the Move
One of the greatest to ever play the game is moving clubs, now the question is where will he go next?
picture via marketwatch.com
After another year of humiliation in the Champions League, Lionel Messi has decided that it may be time to try on a different kit. There has been much speculation surrounding a possible move for the Argentine. Now, with many clubs considering an offer, it could be just a matter of weeks before someone makes a move. In today's post, I am going to be going through three teams that have the best shot at Messi's signature as well as where he would fit in for each of them.
1) Manchester City
Positions: Right Wing, Center Attacking Mid
The leading club for Lionel Messi is Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. The Argentine and the Spaniards have a good friendship made by Pep's time spent at the helm of Barcelona from 2008-2012. After losing Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich this summer, City could use the added support that Messi will bring. As he ages, he could also reinforce their midfield options alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri and work more as a playmaker instead of an outside threat. There are very few teams out there that anyone could see someone to the caliber of Messi moving too, let alone having the money to fund a move. Manchester City has already been rumored to be preparing a cash-plus-three player deal for Messi. However, with City refusing to lose players like Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, or Bernardo Silva, it could be hard for them to locate the right group to offer Barcelona. Messi has already publically shown interest in the move, and it is a scary thought to think of Messi in the Premier League.
2) Juventus
Positions: Right Attacking Mid, Center Attacking Mid
Every football fan's dream would be to see the two best players of our generation Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the same jersey. Should Juventus make an offer, Barcelona can't refuse it very well could happen. The difference between Manchester City and the Italian side is their willingness to give up big players. Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa, and Aaron Ramsey all could be included in a deal to persuade the Catalan team. Juve usually runs a 4-2-3-1 with Ronaldo up top, followed by three attacking midfielders. Should the Argentine make a move to Italy, then most likely, he would slot in behind or to the right of Cristiano. With the club under the new management of Andrea Pirlo, a lot of new changes will have to be made; however, whether this includes the signing of Lionel Messi, only time will tell.
3) Paris Saint-Germain
Positions: Right Attacking Mid, Striker
The final option for Lionel Messi is Paris Saint-Germain and a reunion with his old teammate Neymar. P.S.G. is up there in contention for the Argentinian with Manchester City and has the funds and players to make it happen. The club already has spent upwards of a billion dollars on their roster, so another nine-figure offer from the Parisian club for a player of Messi's stature and quality would not be surprising. As for how he would fit in an already fine-tuned team, most likely taking the starting positions from fellow Argentinians Angel Di Maria or Mauro Icardi. Paris Saint-Germain recently played in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, and if there was anything apparent from their performance that night was that they are beginning to lose some of their attacking threat. A fresh influx of skill, class, and experience that Lionel Messi provides could be precisely what they need to bring home a European trophy finally.
Lionel Messi is at a point in his career where he needs to be where he can consistently succeed. Even though he has accomplished so much at Barcelona and has one of the best player resumes of all time, that does not mean that he should be tied down. Spending your whole career at one club is a noble and loyal act that only a few greats have ever accomplished; however, it may be time for one of the G.O.A.T.s of the game to consider finishing his career in a different kit. Thanks for reading.