Leo Messi has asked Inter Miami & Al Hilal for financial help to complete his return to FC Barcelona.
The 35-year-old is left with a decision to make over his future after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and there is growing hope Stateside that the World Cup winner could make the move to MLS, according to The Atheltic.
Signing Messi, who was the best player at the last FIFA World Cup and is considered by some statistical measures to be the best player in the top five European leagues this season, should be a boon for Miami.
They are currently in last place in the MLS’s Eastern Conference, and have recently sacked their coach. They have lost 11 of their 16 league matches this season so far. One source briefed on the high-level league discussions said MLS executives were told Messi’s decision is down to Inter Miami or Barcelona and that joining a club from Saudi Arabia is “not under consideration.” That same source mentioned a potential date for Messi’s MLS debut, should he sign: Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21, currently set to be held at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium.
A decision is said to be expected soon, either tonight or tomorrow.
Also in the mix is the Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, who are said to be offering 1.2 billion euro in salary over 2 years.
Other European teams have been rumored to be in the fray, but so far there’s no clear indication that they will land Messi. Sources close to the MLS executives have confirmed that Lionel Messi’s decision has come down to Inter Miami or Barcelona.
• The offer from Al Hillal is no longer under any serious consideration.
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