Lionel Messi future: Where could he feasibly go after Barcelona and who can afford him?

[ASFN Admin]

It is difficult to imagine Lionel Messi playing for a club other than Barcelona, but that once remote possibility is now a feasible outcome from this transfer period. Barcelona are beset by political tension, huge debts and ageing team in urgent need of a rebuild after losing La Liga to a relatively average Real Madrid team and crashing out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion against Bayern Munich. After a 2-1 defeat by Osasuna confirmed the league title was heading to Madrid, Messi said: “We didn’t want to end La Liga playing like this, but it kind of reflects how this whole year has gone. “We were weak and lost our shape. They beat us because we lacked intensity and conceded an easy goal. We have lost lots of points this season when we shouldn’t have. Following reports that Messi might be considering pastures new, we assess his options. Manchester City Why could it happen? City certainly have resources to fund such a move, with Financial Fairplay Regulations being eased in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. Messi would surely be attracted to reuniting with his former manager Pep Guardiola, with whom he won every trophy there is to win on his way to becoming the best player in the world. How Messi would fit in tactically is a ludicrous question to ask of possibly the best player to ever lace a pair of boots, but the Argentine is certainly familiar with the structures and patterns of Guardiola's preferred 4-3-3 shape. Would likely replace Riyad Mahrez - who has been great, but it's Messi - on the right of City's attack, or as a false nine if Guardiola elects to play that way. City used a false nine to good effect against Real Madrid in the Champions League. They have even experimented with Kevin De Bruyne sitting in a deeper midfield position in more of a 4-2-3-1 shape, which could leave two central attacking spots for Messi to fill. Why won't it happen? Despite their riches, City have been quite disciplined in the transfer market, refusing to may over the odds for previous targets such as Harry Maguire and Alexis Sanchez. They have spent heavily since Guardiola arrived, but have not made any 'galactico' style purchases of world stars, preferring to develop players such as Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and formerly Leroy Sane. City are also looking to build for the longer-term with key players such as Fernandinho, Kyle Walker and Sergio Aguero into their 30s and David Silva departing. How would signing 33-year-old Messi aid that project? Messi would need to relieved of the pressing duties Guardiola usually demands of his forwards which would necessitate players in other areas picking up the slack. Does Guardiola really want to reshape his team to such an extent?

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