Lionel Messi ‘could be set for a move to the MLS on a free transfer this summer’

Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi could be set for a switch to an MLS club this summer.

Messi’s contract at PSG expires at the end of June and there has been much speculation regarding his future.

According to Sport, the 35-year-old could head to the United States, with all 29 MLS clubs having held talks regarding a special structure that would see Messi make the move to the division.

There is also hope amongst MLS chiefs that if Messi was to join then it would boost viewing figures ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Each of the MLS clubs would fund part of Messi’s £900,000-a-week salary if the deal went ahead. 

Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi has been linked with a move to the MLS this summer

The report doesn’t suggest which  MLS side would be most likely to sign Messi, but Inter Miami, who are co-owned by David Beckham, have previously been linked with him.

It is believed, however, that Messi would prefer to remain in Europe if he is to leave PSG.

Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent the vast majority of his illustrious career, but his former club are currently enduring significant financial problems.

Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona but the club have major financial problems

It has been suggested Messi would want to remain in Europe if he was to leave PSG

Inter Milan and Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have also been linked with Messi.

Since joining PSG in 2021, Messi has scored 29 goals and provided 32 assists across 66 appearances for the club.

Last season Messi won the Ligue 1 title with PSG and they look set to retain the trophy this campaign – they are currently seven points clear of their closest challengers Marseille.

PSG were, though, knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the last-16 stage.