Advertisement
Opinion | Lionel Messi to China? No chance but Beijing 2008 backdown might hold the key to him staying
- New boss Pep Guardiola let Argentine stay to chase Olympic gold after Barcelona board won in court
- Talk of a move to the Chinese Super League is way off as times have changed even since Gareth Bale almost signed last summer
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
The summer’s biggest rumour – that Lionel Messi might leave Barcelona – took a step closer with a “burofax” from the player’s representatives to the club on Tuesday – and one back saying they are getting in the lawyers.
As expected, this has sent the world into overdrive. Where will Messi go next? Who can afford him?
No surprise, the state-backed petro-giants PSG and Manchester City have been mentioned, as have Manchester United, mainly because no transfer rumour mill is complete without them.
Advertisement
Beyond that, long-term suitors Inter Milan are in the mix, with the long-standing desire of the Chinese-owned club given the added intrigue of Messi and his agent-father buying property in the city recently.
01:53
Lionel Messi asks to leave Barcelona football club
Lionel Messi asks to leave Barcelona football club
And then, there is China. There’s always China.
Advertisement
Never mind that the era of the superstar signing appears to be over, with the last fluttering of cash-filled briefcases aimed at Gareth Bale last summer.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x