JAKARTA - The COVID-19 pandemic has really hit the world of football. The winter transfer window that just closed a few days ago is relatively quiet. Now, the world of football is looking forward to a more frenzied summer, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi's future at Barcelona.
In a recent interview with Jordi Evole, the Argentine superstar said he intends to postpone his decision until the end of the season, when his contract at Camp Nou is only a few days away.
If the conclusion he comes to is that he wants a new challenge elsewhere, it could stir up a domino effect of a big transfer across Europe.
The content of Barcelona's contract with Messi was revealed by El Mundo, who in his current condition the club cannot fulfill, suggesting Messi's time in Catalunya may really be over.
Several clubs could make a viable deal for Messi with Manchester City and PSG perhaps the only sensible goals if he chooses to move.
PSG are known to be interested in Messi. However, in spite of the abundance of their money there must still be a balance in their books. MARCA said, Friday, February 5, PSG is likely to sell Kylian Mbappe.
The French star's contract expires in the summer of 2022. Whatever happens to Messi, the Parisian club faces big decisions up front at the end of the season. Yes, they will have excess strikers. This could result in a double win for Real Madrid, who have long had their eyes on Mbappe.
Financial Fair Play regulations will make it all but impossible for PSG to keep Neymar and Mbappe while adding Messi. So, Los Blancos will be very concerned about Messi's situation.
For their own side, Real Madrid may also need to release several players to finance Mbappe's move. This is where the name Vinicius Junior emerged as a potential sales candidate.
Meanwhile, if Real Madrid doesn't want Mbappe, the French star has nothing to worry about. He has another big admirer, Jurgen Klopp. But again, he has to face one of Liverpool's attacking trios. French media said Mohamed Salah would be the one to leave Anfield.
But, what if Manchester City became the club that managed to get Leo Messi? Barcelona will have an extra reason to try to sign Sergio Aguero for free.
However, it is even more difficult to convince Aguero without his friend Messi and City are well aware of how much Messi costs and have planned long-term plans to seduce him, which include retiring in MLS with partner club New York City.
Whether it's Qatar and PSG or the United Arab Emirates and Manchester City winning the race for Messi - if he decides to say goodbye to Barcelona - it will surely be the first tremors in a major earthquake in all of European football.
But, hopefully the end result will not be like last season. Heralded being sulky and wanting to leave, instead surviving at the Camp Nou.
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