Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi’s impending departure from Paris Saint-Germain this summer has put dozens of clubs around the world on alert.

The Argentinian playmaker is now in the veteran stage of his career, but would still be an excellent signing for most elite level clubs.

However, there is also a possibility of the 35-year-old winding down his career by heading to the calmer waters of emerging football nations.

With that in mind, we take a closer look at some of the most likely destinations for Messi this summer, starting with the United States of America.

Major League Soccer

Messi has previously stated he would love to play in Major League Soccer (MLS) at some point in his career, but he may not be ready to make the move just jet.

New York City FC have been touted as a possible destination, with the club operating under the banner of the hugely wealthy City Football Group.

David Beckham’s MLS franchise Inter Miami is another potential option for Messi and the Florida lifestyle may well appeal to the 35-year-old.

Messi has reportedly bought several luxury apartments in the Miami area and it would be no surprise to see him pitch up there – albeit in a couple of years.

Saudi Arabia Pro League

Online bookmakers operating in the Middle East are vigorously rubbing their hands at the possibility of Messi heading to the region this summer.

Sports betting in the United Arab Emirates and several other nations in the area have already benefited from a huge surge in interest following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro-League.

The prospect of going head-to-head with his old rival could be tempting for Messi, although he may feel he still has more things to achieve in European football.

Having said that, the money on offer in Saudi Arabia would be extremely difficult to turn down, even for someone whose bank balance is already bulging at the seams.

La Liga

Messi previously earned legendary status with Barcelona and it is no secret that he would rather have stayed with the club than join PSG almost two years ago.

There are have been plenty of rumours about an emotional return to the Catalans for Messi, but it is difficult to see how it could happen given their financial status.

He was initially forced to leave due to the club’s money worries and things have not improved significantly during the time he has been away from the La Liga giants.

It could also be argued that Messi has achieved everything he possibly could with Barcelona and returning there would see him run the risk of damaging his legacy.

Premier League

Several Premier League clubs have the financial resources to sign Messi, although whether they would be willing to splash the cash on a veteran player is extremely debatable.

Reuniting with former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola would probably appeal to Messi, but Manchester City do not tend to buy players who are nearing the end of their careers.

Newly-minted Newcastle United are another option, particularly with their Saudi owners eager to establish the club as a force at home and abroad.

A move by Chelsea is also not beyond the realms of possibility, especially with the club’s new owners seemingly on a mission to sign as many players as they possibly can.

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