Inter Miami, Barcelona and Al-Hilal battle for free agent Lionel Messi after PSG exit – Paper Round

Inter Miami plan Messi swoop

Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Inter Miami are hoping to lure Lionel Messi to the MLS, and will appoint Gerardo Martino as part of that attempt.

The team will also allow Messi to join Barcelona on loan to have his farewell with his boyhood club.

“Gerardo Tata Martino is the favorite to take over after resigning from his position as coach of the Mexico Men’s National Team following their poor time at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where they did not even get past the group stage.

“It is worth remembering that Tata was Messi’s coach between 2013 and 2016, both at Barcelona and the Argentina Men’s National Team.

“However, in the event that it materializes, the arrival of the 10 of Argentina to U.S. soccer would not be immediate, as Luis Omar Tapia explains, Messi would first be loaned to Barcelona so that his formal farewell with the Catalans can take place.”

Al-Hilal also in for Messi

The Mirror, however, suggests that Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are winning the race for the Argentine player, who has played his final game for Paris Saint-Germain.

Instead of moving to MLS or Spain, he will enjoy a huge payday in the Middle East.

“Messi has been the past two seasons at the French giants, winning successive Ligue 1 titles. But the end of his time in Paris has been marred by fan protests, with many taking aim at the World Cup winner as PSG once again failed to win the Champions League.

“A number of teams are competing to sign now free-agent Messi, with Al-Hilal understood to be one of the frontrunners. The Saudi Pro League side have offered Messi a record-breaking contract to end his career in the Middle East.”

Lloris set to quit Tottenham

Tottenham’s 36-year-old goalkeeper Hugo Lloris looks set to depart North London after he decided he probably wants to quit.

He has been linked with a move to Nice, but will hold talks with his current side, as he has a year left on his current deal.

“Lloris has one more year left in his deal with Spurs but has been linked with a departure following a turbulent season stricken by errors between the sticks.

“The goalkeeper strongly suggested there is truth in the transfer speculation as he admitted he has a “desire for something else”.

“However, the former France captain hasn’t completely made up his mind yet and will hold talks with Tottenham during the summer.”

Hazard may retire after Real exit

Eden Hazard may be facing retirement given the 32-year-old’s track record with injury. The Belgian winger has struggled at Real Madrid, and has been released a year early by the Spanish club.

That leaves him free to join another side, but the Mail believes he may find it tough to agree a move to another side.

“The Belgian winger had failed to live up to expectations since joining the club from Chelsea in 2019 and made just six appearances in the Spanish top-flight this year.

“In a statement on their website, the club said: ‘Real Madrid CF and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement whereby the player will be released from the club as of June 30, 2023.

“Having struggled with injuries across the past few years, it’s no wonder that some teams may be reluctant to take another gamble on the Belgian.”