MLS are so determined to bring Lionel Messi to the States this summer that they will reportedly compensate the Argentinian’s family according to league commissioner Don Garber.
Messi – currently at PSG – has been linked with a move to America once his contract at the Parisian mega club expires in the summer, despite ongoing negotiations to extend his stay.
The 35-year-old World Cup winner remains the biggest name in European football but soon could follow in the path of long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo by making an international move at the tail-end of his career.
Any attempt to lure Messi to the USA would require huge funds given his status and undeniable quality that recently saw him lift another individual accolade as FIFA name him ‘The Best’ player in the world, however MLS executive Garber explained there are possible strategies being discussed.
‘You’re dealing with perhaps the most special player in the history of the game. So when there are rumours of him connected to Miami, that’s great,’ Garber told The Athletic.
Lionel Messi is wanted by American professional soccer league MLS once his PSG contract expires
Messi (white and blue top) and his family would be compensated should they move to America
‘And if it could happen, it would be terrific for MLS, it would be terrific for Messi and his family, and like everything with us, we try to run every opportunity down. I can’t give any more details than that because we don’t have them.’
‘We’re gonna have to structure a deal that’s going to compensate him in ways that he and his family expect.
‘What that is? Honestly, we don’t know today, but he’s probably not going to be a [targeted allocation money] player.’
MLS commissioner Don Garber revealed Messi would be greatly compensated if he moves to America
Messi is currently tied to PSG with talks ongoing over extending his stay past this summer
Messi guided Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar last year, marking his conquering of both club and national team football and becoming arguably football’s greatest ever player.
A move to the MLS would represent the final chapters of his trophy-laden career and would see the winger follow in the footsteps of David Beckham, Kaka, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic who all made similar moves.
Messi had also been linked with a sensational return to Barcelona but any such move now appears to be off the table given the club’s imposed transfer ban.
LaLiga chief Javier Tebas recently announced the decision and revealed that the club would have to raise £178m before being allowed to spend any money in the market.
SRC: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
