Lionel Messi was expected to sign an extension with FC Barcelona this summer and remain at Camp Nou, where he has been for the entirety of his legendary career. But news emerged earlier that that won’t be happening and was confirmed by the club’s official website. Now, should Manchester United consider making a move for the Argentine legend?
Messi is arguably the greatest player in the history of the game. He is certainly in the conversation. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 672 goals and provided 305 assists for FC Barcelona. Simply incredible! And the opportunity to sign him, that too as a free agent, comes only once in a lifetime, if that.
Now, 34 years of age, Messi is no longer in his prime. But he is still most probably the best player on the planet and the favourite for the Ballon d’Or and has shown no signs of slowing down.
In fact, he won the Copa America title with Argentina this summer, thus ending his long wait for a title with his national team. And while plans were for him to remain at FC Barcelona and he had even reached an agreement with the club over a contract extension but Spanish Liga regulations on player registration means that his incredible run at the Camp Nou will be coming to an end.
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Should Manchester United try to sign Messi?
It is safe to say that if the Red Devils do manage to sign Messi, they will probably be favourites for the Premier League title as well as serious contenders for the Champions League in the upcoming campaign. And then, you have to consider what he brings off the pitch as well.
But having already signed Jadon Sancho this summer, who will be expected to play on the right wing and with Bruno Fernandes being the club’s first-choice as attacking midfielder, it might not be great for the long-term project at Old Trafford to sign Messi.
At the end of the day, it is perhaps what the Red Devils want moving forward. If they want immediate success, trying to sign Messi is a no-brainer. Competition is expected to be very tough though, for the Argentine’s signature.