LIONEL MESSI looks set to end his illustrious 19-year relationship with Barcelona in 2021.
The superstar has collected a record SIX Ballon d’Or awards during his days at the Nou Camp – scoring an unrivalled 648 goals in 752 appearances.
1
BETFAIR NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: BET £5 GET £20*
The 33-year-old has guided the club to ten La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies and countless other honours.
But with his contract due to expire in June – where’s next for the Argentine magician?
Here, SunSport takes a closer look at the FOUR most likely destinations for Messi in 2021, according to odds supplied by bookmakers Betfair.
Manchester City – 1/1
Manchester City are favourites to be Messi’s next club.
The Citizens have the financial muscle to afford his wages and can match his ambitions to win silverware both domestically and in Europe.
City also have the added lure of Messi’s former coach Pep Guardiola, who only recently signed a contract extension until June 2023.
Pep has remained tight-lipped on the matter but with Sergio Aguero tipped to leave and Gabriel Jesus struggling to fill his boots – Messi would surely be the ideal signing.
Lionel Messi next club odds – Betfair
- Manchester City – 1/1
- Paris Saint-Germain – 2/1
- Inter Miami – 6/1
- Inter Milan – 12/1
- BETFAIR NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: BET £5 GET £20*
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Paris Saint-Germain – 2/1
Another side with the financial capabilities to complete a blockbuster deal.
French champions Paris Saint-Germain are the second favourites at 2/1 with Betfair to bring Messi to the Parc des Princes.
Newspaper Le Parisien recently claimed that new manager Mauricio Pochettino and PSG are hopeful that Messi’s friendship with Neymar will swing the deal in their favour.
Messi is also close friends with Argentine compatriot Angel Di Maria but it’s thought any deal would hinge on the future of Kylian Mbappe.
The 22-year-old superstar is still stalling on a new contract and Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to axe SIX players to fund a £135m move.
Inter Miami – 6/1
What a coup this would be for David Beckham and his MLS franchise Inter Miami.
Bookmakers Betfair make it a 6/1 chance that Messi will join the newly established club at some point in 2021.
The player Barca fuelled speculation of a move Stateside in a recent interview with Spanish TV channel La Sexta.
He said in December: “I would like to play in the United States and experience life and the league there.”
Inter Milan – 12/1
The Italian heavyweights have a long-standing interest in Messi and could 2021 finally be the year they sign him?
Inter were linked last year when the club’s owners, Suning, projected an image of Messi on Milan’s cathedral in their promotional video for a Serie A fixture.
However, when asked about the image manager Antonio Conte said: “I didn’t see that. But it’s easier to move the cathedral than to bring Messi to Inter.”
SEE OVER £2000 IN FREE BETS HERE
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
*Min £5 bet on the SBK, min odds 1.5 (1/2). Rewards valid for 7 days. Free bets must be placed at min odds of 1.5 (1/2). Exchange free bet limited to certain markets. Payment restrictions apply. T&Cs apply 18+ Begambleaware.org
