LIONEL MESSI’S World Cup dream might finally send him into the Premier League – aged 38.
The legend is tipped to consider a loan switch to a more competitive league ahead of Argentina’s WC title defence next summer.
Inter Miami are keen to extend Messi’s two-year contract beyond 2025.
But even if he does sign a new deal, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could also squeeze in a temporary stint with a top-flight European club.
Reports in the icon’s home country claim Messi wants regular high-level games before the 2026 World Cup in America.
It means the ex-Barcelona attacker could move for several months.
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David Beckham’s Miami stunned observers by reaching the Club World Cup in the USA.
But Messi in particular looked frustrated as his old club Paris Saint-German outclassed his MLS team 4-0 in the last 16.
The four-time Champions League winner was even accused by some viewers of trying to punch former team-mate Vitinha.
Messi has never played for an English club.
But ex-Manchester City manager Mark Hughes claimed Sheikh Mansour came in for him – on the day the Emirati businessman completed his £200m club takeover in 2008.
Current Etihad chief Pep Guardiola is also understood to have fancied a reunion with his Barca old boy before his move to PSG in 2021.
There have been recent murmurs in Spain over a sentimental return to Barca.
But Spanish journalist Guillem Balague believes that’s unlikely, due to Messi’s difficult relationship with club president Joan Laporta.
So a first-ever stint in England might sound enticing for a superstar with 112 goals in 193 internationals
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