Lionel Messi’s return to Europe: Premier League contenders revealed to strike January deal
Lionel Messi is once again being linked with a return to European football in the final stages of his career.
The former Barcelona legend turned his back on the European game at the end of a two-year stint with PSG back in 2023, and has since been plying his trade in the MLS.
Messi was linked with a move away from Inter Miami throughout the summer transfer window, with sources revealing to Football Insider that a host of Saudi Arabian clubs were keen to make him a marquee signing for their league.
A return to Europe was also on the cards at one stage, and the same links are now emerging ahead of the January transfer window.
Man City the favourites to bring Lionel Messi to the Premier League
Messi ultimately decided to stay put at Inter Miami back in the summer, and he has since extended his contract to theoretically keep him stateside until 2028.
However, that has done little to prevent speculation that he could return to Europe this winter, and that appears to have seen the eyes of several clubs light up.
The 38-year-old managed a staggering 35 goals from 33 games in the MLS in 2025, and also added an astonishing 21 assists.
There is no doubt that he would still be an asset to clubs in the world’s strongest leagues, and there is already plenty of speculation as to who he could join if his return from America does materialise.
Barcelona are currently the bookies’ favourites to land the Argentine, with Manchester City deemed the most likely candidate from the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently priced at 12/1, with Chelsea next behind them at 22/1. There are also possibilities for the duo of Liverpool and Manchester United, but both are seen as distant at this stage.
What has Lionel Messi said about the Premier League
Messi will have a huge focus on the World Cup next summer, so he may ultimately be reluctant to make a big change in his career just months away from what could be his final tournament on the world stage.
The attacker’s own views towards the Premier League also go against the idea of him moving to England in the final years of his career.
Messi has always been quick to stress his admiration for the Premier League, but specified back in 2012, that he could never play in English football, according to The 42.
“It (English football) is very competitive and played at a phenomenal speed. They play with their heart, with plenty of emotion, spirit and determination,” the then-Barcelona star revealed.
“But I could never see the day arrive when I would play in England.”
Granted plenty has changed his Messi made those comments about the Premier League, but if it hasn’t appealed to him in the past, it would be a huge surprise if he now decides to step out of his comfort zone at this stage of his career.