NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Where next for the legend Lionel Messi? As the professional soccer leagues around the world wrap up we see player movement everywhere from Karim Benzema signing with Saudi club Al-Ittihad for 3 years, $643 million dollars, and other clubs grabbing pieces it has been nonstop. But one name that has been attached to many leagues and clubs is Lionel Messi who will leave PSG after 2 seasons. When he signed with the club on paper the lineup was sure to bring Champions League glory and that has not been the case at 35 years old the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to go back to Barca. A club where he is a living legend and has had so much success and amazing moments.
What Happened With PSG?
The star power was otherworldly Neymar, Mbappe, Sergio Ramos and more the club was stacked and fans had visions of a great run. But, instead of magical moments, we saw the prized Champions League title not come to Paris as they were knocked out and unable to win a trophy. The performance on the pitch of Lionel Messi was not bad he scored 22 goals and assisted on 30 more in 57 matches. Expectations were so high was it really ever possible for him and his teammates to reach them? The real nail in the coffin was when he skipped training for a trip to Sudi Arbia without the club’s knowledge. The result was a suspension and he did apologize but that didn’t stop rumors from flying that he wanted out and that PSG was over him. We could stop the guessing when manager Christophe Galtier spoke to the media “I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of soccer,” Galtier said. “This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.” Then the race to sign one of the greatest players to set foot on the pitch began. Add to that how the fans have turned on him as well.
Where To Next?
A return to Barcelona is the first thing that comes to mind for the soon-to-be 36-year-old star, Lionel Messi. But, the club had to let him go the first time due to financial issues and things have not improved that much for them since he left. Could the MLS pull off another signing of an aging superstar with some gas left in the tank? Remember David Beckham is a co-owner now in the league. But the major player in this race is the Saudi Arabia league which already has Christiao Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, adding Lionel Messi would be huge. The offer is said to be mind-blowing numbers as they continue to try and make their country known for sports. If somehow Barcelona is able to make this move it would be a storybook ending for a player the fans adore. In the end, this has the whole futbol world watching and waiting to see where this once-in-a-generation talent ends up next. How much magic does he have left at his age?
With so many team’s underperforming this past season the number of transfers and signings will be fast and furious. Just like the NBA and NFL are always grabbing the sports headlines futbol is right there with them. I can’t wait to see how clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool improve through the summer transfer window.
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