At 38 years old, Leo Messi hasn't closed the door on playing one last adventure in Europe. His goal remains clear: to arrive in top form for the 2026 World Cup, the ultimate event of his international career. The United States, Mexico, and Canada will host a tournament in which the Argentine wants to be a protagonist once again.
After winning the World Cup in Qatar and two Copa América titles, Messi wants to cap off his career with another major championship. For this reason, he is seriously considering the possibility of leaving MLS when his contract with Inter Miami ends. His performance remains high, but the competitive level of American soccer isn't enough.
The connection with the North American franchise expires next December, and the option to renew it hasn't been activated. Sources close to the player's circle say he wants to keep his competitive rhythm during the six months leading up to the World Cup. Only a stay in Europe can guarantee that.
According to the calendar, the opportunity is perfect: the European winter transfer window opens right after the end of the MLS season. If Messi decides to return, he would have enough time to join in January and get ready for the major international event in the summer.
Barça, a sentimental possibility... but distant in sporting terms
As expected, rumors linking Messi with FC Barcelona haven't taken long to appear. The club of his life, where he became a legend, will always be his first emotional choice. But on a competitive level, the return is much more complicated than it seems.
Hansi Flick is building a young, dynamic, and physically demanding team. Bringing in Messi at 38 years old and in a competitive role would break with that tactical logic. In addition, the media and emotional pressure that his return would bring could be counterproductive for the internal balance of the locker room.
Even so, Barça doesn't want to close the door on his return in a symbolic way. It is planned that, once the new stadium is fully completed, a major tribute will be held to bid Leo farewell as he deserves. But as a player, unless there is an unexpected turn, his time as a blaugrana seems to be over.
For this reason, Messi and his circle are already considering other real alternatives within the major European leagues. In particular, clubs that can offer him minutes, tactical stability, and a competitive environment without excessive pressure. Among all the candidates, one clearly stands out above the rest.
City takes the lead: Guardiola awaits him with open arms
According to sources close to the player, Manchester City is currently the number one favorite to sign Leo Messi if he decides to return. Pep Guardiola keeps an excellent relationship with the Argentine and is open to bringing him in for the final stretch of the season. The Catalan coach trusts his tactical intelligence and experience to contribute at key moments.
At the Etihad, Messi could reunite with several former teammates and take on a more specific and protected role. He wouldn't be an undisputed starter, but he would be an important piece in key Premier League or Champions League matches. City's style would also fit perfectly with the Argentine's strengths.
Financially, the English club has the capacity to offer him a short but well-paid contract. In sporting terms, it can guarantee him a highly demanding context without having to carry all the responsibility. In other words, the ideal scenario to prepare for the World Cup.
Other clubs like PSG or a major Serie A team have been mentioned in recent weeks. However, neither the Parisian project nor the competitive pace of Italian soccer seem to fully convince Messi's circle. For now, the focus is on northern England.
Last six key months before the international farewell
Everything suggests that the 2026 World Cup will be Leo Messi's last major tournament as a professional. After more than two decades at the highest level, his priority is to finish his career in peak physical and footballing condition. For that, his final stint in Europe could be decisive.
Inter Miami already assumes it could lose its biggest star at the end of the year. The automatic renewal clause hasn't been activated, and the player has avoided making a long-term commitment. In Florida, he is already part of the club's history, but his ambition doesn't stop there.
Messi's future is open, but his decision won't take long. In the coming months, he will evaluate offers, conditions, and projects before defining his roadmap. Meanwhile, Manchester City is preparing to offer him what could be the last major contract of his career.