Inter Miami ready to offer Messi equity stake, Barcelona yet to make concrete proposal

As Lionel Messi’s future continues to dominate the headlines, MLS club Inter Miami are ready to up their efforts to sign him from PSG, even as Barcelona continue to be linked with a move.

According to Miguel Delaney of the Independent, Inter Miami are ready to offer Messi an equity stake in the club in order to lure him to the MLS this summer.

The 35-year-old’s current contract with PSG expires at the end of the season. While there is an option for a one-year extension on the same salary, he wants to know about the club’s plans for the next season before making a decision.

But with PSG still unable to provide clarity over what their frontline might look like next term or who the manager would be, Messi remains undecided on renewing with the French champions.

It has sparked interest from clubs within and outside Europe.

Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal reportedly offered a mammoth contract worth over €400 million per year, which Messi is understood to have turned down.

Now, Inter Miami are not willing to be left behind and are offering him an equity stake in the club in order to convince him to move to the USA.

The report states that the David Beckham-owned franchise have been in talks with the World Cup winner’s camp for a while now. And, the MLS has also held talks with the football icon’s father-cum-agent, Jorge Messi.

However, the 35-year-old’s preference is to continue in Europe for at least one more year, which will be a hurdle for Inter Miami in their bid to sign him.

Meanwhile, the report from the Independent contradicts claims from Spanish and Argentine media, stating that Barcelona are yet to contact Messi over a summer move. They have not made any contact over a proposal for their former captain, let alone make a concrete offer.

It states that while Barça boss Xavi Hernandez has been in regular contact with Messi, there has been no formal approach from the club yet. And the meeting between Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi last month was mainly to discuss a tribute match for the 35-year-old.

There is said to be tentative interest from the Premier League, but no concrete offers have arrived from there either. So, as things stand, PSG, Al Hilal and Inter Miami are the only clubs to have made formal proposals to Messi.

But reports suggest that Barcelona could reach out with an offer to their club legend this week. A proposal worth €10 million per year is being talked about, although until the FFP picture becomes clear, questions will continue about the Catalans’ ability to offer him a contract.