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Messi's future at Inter Miami remains uncertain after failure to qualify for the MLS playoffs, but where should the Argentine go to avoid up to four months out of action?
Argentine legend Lionel Messi is set to face a rare problem in his career, as the 36-year-old Inter Miami could be forced to sit out four months of action after missing out on the MLS playoffs.
Inter Miami confirmed that they would not be partaking in the MLS playoffs after a loss to Cincinnati and would not be playing competitive matches after October until February.
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Messi is expected to play a starring role for Argentina in the 2024 Copa America on home soil and will need to remain in top shape to inspire the Albiceleste to defend their crown as champions of South America.
Here are three ways that Messi can stay active during the playoff downtime and still be match-fit for Argentina duties.
Re-join Barcelona
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Messi was tipped to re-join boyhood club Barcelona when it became obvious that he would not continue at Paris Saint-Germain, but the Argentine star broke Catalan hearts when he decided to move to Inter Miami instead.
With Inter Miami now facing several months without competitive activity, Messi could now make the move back to Barcelona in January, even if only for a short spell.
Barcelona's all-time record goalscorer has already been linked with a move in the winter on loan, which could be worthwhile for Barcelona if Inter Miami decide to cover the bulk of Messi’s salaries in any potential deal.
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Given Barcelona’s dire financial situation, a move for Messi from Inter Miami seems also too good to be true, as it could generate a significant increase in interest in the club’s merchandise and tickets, as well as offer the World Cup winner a chance to say a proper goodbye to the fans, and all this at a fraction of the cost it would have cost them to sign him to a permanent deal.
Make a move to Saudi Arabia
Another attractive offer for Messi would be the chance to play in the Saudi Pro League alongside many former European stars who recently made the switch.
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Messi was approached in the summer by Al Hilal, who offered the former Barcelona man a king’s ransom to move to Saudi Arabia.
That offer could still be open, with the Saudi Pro League side looking to increase their profile by signing one of the biggest names in the game at the moment.
Besides the ludicrous amount of money a spell in Saudi Arabia would bring, Messi will also be tempted by an opportunity to play alongside his former teammate at Barcelona and PSG, Neymar, while also getting to compete against his arch-nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo.
Stay with Inter Miami and play exhibitions
If all else fails, Messi could decide to remain with Inter Miami through the downtime, hoping that the MLS side is able to arrange friendlies to pass the time during the playoffs.
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Given the calibre of players that Inter Miami have on their roster, they could get decent offers for friendly matches with teams in Europe, or Asia, even during their own regular season.
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They might also be able to play other MLS teams who did not make the playoffs to keep players fresh for when the new season starts in February.
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