On Thursday, all seemed to be running as usual in the wacky world of the summer transfer market. A major Serie A star was packing the bags as he prepares to move towards greener (and richer) pastures. Meanwhile in England, Manchester City were finalizing the transfer of an overvalued English star who costed them a nine-digit figure. You know… the usual.
But suddenly, a shocking news appeared through the official Barcelona accounts. Lionel Messi won’t sign a contract extension, and will therefore leave the Camp Nou after spending 21 years at the club.
As soon as the announcement was made, the speculations regarding the Argentine’s future began to circulate, with the usual suspects like Paris Saint-Germain and the rich Premier League clubs taking the lion’s share.
Unsurprisingly, Italian sides were an afterthought for the worldwide media. So realistically speaking, can anyone in Serie A make for a serious contender in the glamorous race for Messi?
Let’s take a look at the five Italian clubs who might have a slight chance, even though it’s surely a longshot.
Inter
Since the days of former president Massimo Moratti, Inter have been keen admirers of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner – reminiscently to the rest of the universe.
However, the golden days of the Nerazzurri are long gone now, and the management is facing some major financial difficulties forcing them to sell Achraf Hakimi to PSG, with Romelu Lukaku potentially following suit with a return to Chelsea.
If the Belgian were to be sold for 130 million euros, then perhaps the funds can finance a deal for the world’s most attractive free agent. But this remains an unlikely theory, especially amidst Sunning’s downsizing plan.
Why do all these sites think Inter can sign Messi? We can’t even get a signed shirt from him https://t.co/iLJ7cZNaUF
— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) August 5, 2021
Milan
So what about the other half of the city? Whilst Milan seem to be on the rise recently, their project is mostly based on affordable young men, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic being the cherry on top.
Although seeing Messi in the glamorous Rossoneri jersey that was worn by countless legends would be a sight to behold for Serie A fans, let’s not get our hopes too high for this one.
But cheer up Diavolo fans, you can still be excited about your new striker.
Welcome @_OlivierGiroud_ to @acmilan. $ACM pic.twitter.com/8TnQ3P9AZI
— Alexandre Dreyfus (@alex_dreyfus) July 22, 2021
Juventus
In the pre-Covid era, former Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici flexed his muscles with some groundbreaking signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Matthijs de Ligt.
But nowadays, the management is struggling to seal a loan with an obligation to buy deal for Manuel Locatelli.
Moreover, with Ronaldo at the club, the wage-bill is already overloaded, so a reunion with his great nemesis remains a Fantasy Football scenario.
But perhaps Paratici can pull off his magic in North London.
Make it happen Juventus. Let Messi and Ronaldo the two greatest players of all time team up ???? pic.twitter.com/iDblYRcOZT
— J ? (@RockTheBabyRuss) August 5, 2021
Roma
Some expected the arrival of José Mourinho to spark a great spending spree in the Italian capital. However, Roma failed to sign their primary midfield target Granit Xhaka because they had to buy a left-back to replace Leonardo Spinazzola.
Does it sound like the sort of club that can bring Messi to Serie A? Let’s move on, shall we.
Francesco Totti: “If Messi comes to Roma, I'll greet him at the airport with the number 10 shirt.” pic.twitter.com/zeBPUv18Hi
— Ahmed Farish (@ahmedfarish7) July 29, 2021
Napoli
Last but not least, the nostalgic move. Since he emerged to the scene around 2005, the 34-year-old has been linked and compared to the immortal Diego Armando Maradona.
The late legend enjoys a god-like status in the city of Napoli for his unbelievable exploits during his time at the club, and some still dream to see his natural heir trying to replicate his success in southern Italy.
Sadly for those, Leo doesn’t exactly strike us as a fan of nostalgia. In fact, Messi is expected to join whoever offers him the best opportunity to win trophies, coupled with an extravagant contract, and neither of those would be found at Napoli, nor at any other Serie A for that matter – at least in the status quo.
Forget those cheating book cookers…BRING MESSI TO STADIO MARADONA NOW ??
If Messi leads Napoli to the Scudetto, I promise I’ll call him the ?
Who’s with me?! pic.twitter.com/Eo6VgGv9yD
— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) August 5, 2021