2022 ended with Lionel Messi back on the top of the world.
After a disappointing (by his standards) 2021/22 campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi bounced back in 2022/23, scoring 12 goals and registering 14 assists in 18 games across Ligue 1 and the Champions League for the French side. But of course, his greatest achievement will be finally lifting the World Cup with Argentina.
Messi's current deal finishes at the end of the 2022/23 season and PSG are keen to extend it for at least another season. It has been heavily reported that the ownership are locked in talks with the Argentinian's camp to make that happen.
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Before news of these talks emerged, many fans believed that Messi may have traded life in the French capital for a few years on the Florida coast when Inter Miami were heavily linked with a move for the 35-year-old.
It now seems unlikely that Messi will make the move to the David Beckham-owned MLS franchise, but manager Phil Neville has not lost hope. The former Manchester United defender was asked in his latest press conference if a move for Messi could materialise.
"For us, the landscape’s not changed at all," he said. "With any deal for any DP [designated player] of the level you’re talking about is complicated, it takes time. Rest assured we’re working every second of every day to bring in the best players, and I think he’s [Messi] one of the best.“
Miami captain Gregore struck a far more optimistic tone, saying: "It can happen."
Neville, meanwhile, praised Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez with Miami confident of signing the player. "I like him. He’s always scored goals against us," Neville said.
"There are certain players that make a real impression from the pitch level, and Josef is one. He’s a machine, hungry, scores goals and doesn’t need many chances. We’ve got some interesting moves to make but I love the squad we have right now."
The MLS season does not start until February 26 when Miami will face Montreal in their opening fixture, giving Neville and Beckham plenty of time to fill the designated player spot in their squad.
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