Inter Miami, Barcelona and Al-Hilal battle for free agent Lionel Messi after PSG exit - Paper Round
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Updated 04/06/2023 at 08:19 GMT
Lionel Messi is the subject of interest from Al-Hilal after he left Paris Saint-Germain, but there could be a deal struck between Inter Miami and Barcelona for him to play for both teams in the future. Elsewhere, Hugo Lloris may decide to leave Tottenham this summer, and Eden Hazard might struggle to find a new team despite being a free agent after leaving Real Madrid.
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Inter Miami plan Messi swoop
Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Inter Miami are hoping to lure Lionel Messi to the MLS, and will appoint Gerardo Martino as part of that attempt.
The team will also allow Messi to join Barcelona on loan to have his farewell with his boyhood club.
“Inter Miami is in search of a new head coach after recently firing Phil Neville following poor results. And according to various media reports, the MLS team wants an Argentine for the job,” the paper states.
“Gerardo Tata Martino is the favourite to take over after resigning from his position as coach of the Mexico Men's National Team following their poor time at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where they did not even get past the group stage.
“It is worth remembering that Tata was Messi's coach between 2013 and 2016, both at Barcelona and the Argentina Men's National Team.
“However, in the event that it materializes, the arrival of the 10 of Argentina to US soccer would not be immediate, as Luis Omar Tapia explains, Messi would first be loaned to Barcelona so that his formal farewell with the Catalans can take place.”
Al-Hilal also in for Messi
The Mirror, however, suggests that Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are winning the race for the Argentine player, who has played his final game for Paris Saint-Germain.
Instead of moving to MLS or Spain, he will enjoy a huge payday in the Middle East.
The paper explains: “Al-Hilal are set to announce Lionel Messi's arrival from PSG in a matter of days as the superstar prepares to leave PSG.
“Messi has spent the past two seasons at the French giants, winning successive Ligue 1 titles. But the end of his time in Paris has been marred by fan protests, with many taking aim at the World Cup winner as PSG once again failed to win the Champions League.
“A number of teams are competing to sign now free-agent Messi, with Al-Hilal understood to be one of the frontrunners. The Saudi Pro League side have offered Messi a record-breaking contract to end his career in the Middle East.”
Lloris set to quit Tottenham
Tottenham’s 36-year-old goalkeeper Hugo Lloris looks set to depart north London after he decided he probably wants to quit.
He has been linked with a move to Nice, but will hold talks with his current side as he has a year left on his current deal.
“Hugo Lloris revealed he wants to leave Tottenham in the summer after reaching the "end of an era" in north London,” The Sun reports.
“Lloris has one more year left in his deal with Spurs but has been linked with a departure following a turbulent season stricken by errors between the sticks.
“The goalkeeper strongly suggested there is truth in the transfer speculation as he admitted he has a "desire for something else".
“However, the former France captain hasn't completely made up his mind yet and will hold talks with Tottenham during the summer.”
Hazard may retire after Real exit
Eden Hazard may be facing retirement given the 32-year-old’s track record with injury. The Belgian winger has struggled at Real Madrid, and has been released a year early by the Spanish club.
That leaves him free to join another side, but the Mail believes he may find it tough to agree a move to another team.
“Eden Hazard's nightmare spell at Real Madrid will finally come to an end after the two parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract on Saturday,” the outlet began.
“The Belgian winger had failed to live up to expectations since joining the club from Chelsea in 2019 and made just six appearances in the Spanish top-flight this year.
“Having struggled with injuries across the past few years, it's no wonder that some teams may be reluctant to take another gamble on the Belgian.”
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