Inter Miami are stepping up their interest in seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi. The Argentine's contract at Paris Saint-Germain runs out in the summer of 2023 and while those at the top of the club's hierarchy are confident that Messi will extend his stay, the MLS side are currently favourites to secure his signature.
After a difficult first season in Ligue 1, Messi has started to show that he's still one of the best players in the world in Paris. With 11 goals and 13 assists across all competitions this campaign, PSG are desperate to keep him at the club, but Miami's desire to see him move stateside isn't wavering.
According to the Athletic, Messi's representatives and Inter Miami have long been in communication with each other as the latter tries to sound out just how likely a transfer could be. The report adds that the MLS side, who are owned by David Beckham, are increasingly confident that Messi will soon be their player.
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Whilst Messi's potential move to the US is a fantastic opportunity for him to earn one last major contract, there must be a part of him that knows he's capable of playing at the highest level for a while longer at least. With that in mind, could Chelsea be an option?
A report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, via 90min, suggested only a matter of days ago that the Blues are monitoring his situation, especially because it looks as though Barcelona won't be able to afford to re-sign him. Despite signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the end of the summer window, Chelsea are in need of a centre-forward at Stamford Bridge.
Given Todd Boehly's previous hopes of signing wantaway Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo - a move that never materialised despite obvious interest in the summer - you can picture the American making a similar approach for Messi.
Of course, signing the Argentine may not be in Graham Potter's plans for the club. Thomas Tuchel rejected the Blues' apparent approach for Ronaldo because he didn't see how the 37-year-old would fit into the long-term vision at Stamford Bridge before he was sacked - Potter's view is unlikely to be different.
Nevertheless, Messi would certainly improve the Blues' starting lineup and there's not many managers in the world who wouldn't at least consider how their team would look with the Argentine in it. For now though, let's just wait to see what happens in the coming months.
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