The notion of Lionel Messi having 'limited options' with regards to his next move will be tough for football fans to comprehend.
Set to depart Paris St-Germain upon the expiry of his contract this summer, Messi is on the lookout for his next club - six months after inspiring Argentina's World Cup victory in Qatar. The 35-year-old has done a U-turn on his agreement in principle to spend another year with the Ligue 1 side - with the club also wishing to part ways.
Messi's numbers at PSG have been emphatic - 31 goals and 34 assists in 71 games - and he showed his capability to still play at the very top level in Qatar this winter. However, financial difficulties at Le Parc des Princes has left him pursuing a new challenge. PSG's summer transfer budget could be slashed in order to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
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And so, this once-in-a-lifetime footballer is suddenly in the shop window - the journey not over yet. A romantic return to Barcelona is said to appeal to Messi, but the La Liga giants are encountering financial issues of their own and so a move back 'home' is highly unlikely. MLS side Inter Miami, managed by former Manchester United man Phil Neville, and Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal - who can reportedly offer as staggering £354m for one season - are both interested.
But Messi's next destination is far from certain. He has aspirations of playing at the highest level possible but so did his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo when he left Manchester United.
The pair have dominated football for the last 15 years - two world stars producing unforgettable moments and winning trophies in tandem. A game without them both on centre stage is difficult to imagine, but with Ronaldo having left it last December, the prospect of Messi following suit suddenly seems possible. Perhaps the pair always need one and another after all.
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