Lionel Messi has become a topic of discussion in the transfer news. The Argentine’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Hence, clubs around the world are pushing for his signature. But is there a clear favorite in the race to sign ‘The Little Magician?’
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The 35-year-old endured a great World Cup and has now returned to domestic action. The PSG forward is keen to bring some silver to the French capital and improve his CV. However, the forward’s future is the headline as to where he’ll go in the summer.
Inter Miami, Al Hilal, and his former club Barcelona are also interested in signing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Moreover, a stay with Ligue 1 outfit is also on the cards.
David Beckham wants Lionel Messi
David Beckham is looking to rebuild his squad for the upcoming 2023 season. The former England midfielder has already shortlisted a number of players, including the likes of ex-Barca man Lionel Messi.
The Argentine international has been on Beckham’s radar for quite a long time, ever since the club was formed. He even publicly expressed his desire to bring the little magician to the American side. However, they might face stiff competition from the other interested parties.
BREAKING: Al Hilal, Al Nassr's biggest rival, would like to sign Lionel Messi and are ready to offer him just under double what Cristiano Ronaldo is earning 🤑🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/xZFuSSoFPP
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) January 12, 2023
La Pulga recently got an offer from the Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. The Middle Eastern club is reportedly offering him a contract worth $350 million, which will make him the highest-paid athlete ever. If he agrees to go to the Arab side, he would be reigniting his former rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. However, it is yet to be seen where he’ll stay.
PSG are also reportedly offering their No. 30 a mouth-watering contract to stay at the club for two more seasons. Moreover, a return to his former club Barcelona has also been on the headlines.
Miami close to signing MLS veteran
Inter Miami might be dreaming of bringing in Messi, but right now they are looking to bolster their squad with other players as well. One of the players on that list is MLS veteran Josef Martinez.
Josef Martinez to Inter Miami is at the final steps. A deal to send the former MLS MVP is very close. @CLMerlo on it today.
Martinez, 29, will leave Atlanta United in a buyout. The superstar has 98g/16a in MLS. Won MLS Cup MVP as well in 2018. https://t.co/uOy9boi6jQ
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 14, 2023
The American side is looking to acquire the signing of the 29-year-old as soon as possible. The Atlanta United forward has scored 77 goals in his first three seasons. He missed the majority of the season with a torn ACL. However, he managed to score 21 in the later part of the season.
Martinez is currently the league’s 12th highest-paid player and earns $4.1 million. He has a year left in his contract, and Inter is looking to capture the ex-MVP. The Venezuelan is already looking for a house in South Florida, as the deal is expected to be announced very soon. In the meantime, the Herons also announced the signing of Argentinian defender Franco Negri.
“I feel very excited and motivated by this beautiful opportunity that fútbol and Inter Miami have afforded me, to be able to join the Club,” said the 27-year-old.
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Bienvenido, Franco Negri✍️
Defender Franco Negri from Argentine top-flight team Club Deportivo Godoy Cruz, joins the team on a contract through the 2024 season!
Check out all the details on our newest signing: https://t.co/7s0nhumSaN pic.twitter.com/7fPFIjfGoP
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) January 11, 2023
“It’s a very organized club and excellent in all aspects, one which any player would like to play for. My goal is to give everything for the team in every training session and every match, trying to achieve as many of the team’s goals as possible and represent the Club the best way possible on and off the pitch.” He added.
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Fan are looking forward ahead of the 2023 season, but can they still capture the most awaited signing? Only time will tell.
WATCH THIS STORY: Despite being only 5% as rich as Michael Jordan, Lionel Messi once spent more money on a car than MJ ever earned in a single active NBA season