It’s only just three months into the year and Lionel Messi’s future remains unresolved as the Qatar World Cup winner faces a vital decision between choosing to stay at PSG or rejoin his old club FC Barcelona as it is alleged he prefers to remain in Europe at least for another season.
The Argentine ace is also featuring prominently in the crosshairs of MLS clubs and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad, who are said to be more than eager to roll out the red carpet and fork out a figure even more attractive than that offered to Cristiano Ronaldo by Al-Nassr, but it appears he is keen on remaining in Europe for at least one more year. Which leaves PSG and Barcelona as the only options for the moment.
Messi’s desire to stay one more year in Europe noted and taken into consideration by all the relevant parties concerned, Spanish journalist Sique Rodriquez recently claimed that the Argentine international is also desirous of winning another Ballon d’Or, his 8th.
The race for the 2023 Ballon d’Or has already kicked off, with Messi still the obvious favorite for having led his country to FIFA World Cup glory at the end of last year.
However, it ‘s also worth noting that by the time votes are cast, the Qatar World Cup could be but a fading memory as it took place in the middle of the 2022/23 campaign. On top of that, Messi’s performance levels seem to have dipped a bit since the turn of the year, with PSG also having been bundled out of the Champions League.
All this could be key in convincing Messi to remain in Europe for one more year to perhaps significantly help him boost his chances of securing his eighth Ballon d’Or by the start of next year.
In the meantime, there have also been mixed reports that the 35-year-old is nursing sentiments regarding a potential return to Camp Nou.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Messi, as the GOAT enters the enchanting twilight years of his fascinating, illuminating career.