The possibility of seeing Lionel Messi play in MLS finally has some weight to it. The Argentine forward reportedly has a new deal on the table from Barcelona and in the contract, there are terms which would allow Messi to end his career in the United States.
According to TV3 in Spain, the new deal would include a clause where after the 2022 World Cup, Messi could opt to play in the United States before taking on a role in Barcelona after he retires, as a club ambassador.
One of the main points of the new deal is that Messi would have to take a wage cut, at the moment, Messi earns €70 million net per season at the club. Considering where Barcelona is financially, Messi will have to “take one for the team” if he is to stay. Here are other details and possibilities if Lionel Messi were to move to the United States.
Lionel Messi United States clause in Barcelona’s new contract
Lionel Messi of Argentina fights for the ball with Celso Ortiz of Paraguay during a match between Argentina and Paraguay (Getty)
The complete deal according to sources of Lionel Messi’s new contract with Barcelona includes a pay cut, five-years total, with an option to move to MLS/United States to finish his career. What is not clear is if within those five years, after the 2022 World Cup, if Messi could leave on a free or be tied to Barcelona somehow if and when he would move to the United States.
In an interview Messi did indicate that MLS and the United States could be an option in his career, as he stated he wanted to “enjoy and experience life in the United States.” Messi is said to own property in Miami and naturally Inter Miami would be a good fit for the Argentine.
Although over the years Messi does have a special relationship with the city of New York, it is where he scored a hat-trick against Brazil in an exhibition match for Argentina. NYCFC is a distant possibility but much like Pele before him, Messi would appeal to the New York audience.
Nonetheless it has been reported that Messi is putting the new sporting project at Barcelona over anything else. Messi will be sure to get offers from PSG and Manchester City, the only two clubs that could afford him, and the tipping point will be each club’s project going forward.
Lionel Messi’s current contract with Barcelona ends on June 30th, it will make him a free agent. At the moment, the Argentine is in his home country preparing for World Cup qualifiers and later on the Copa America tournament.
