Odds slashed on Lionel Messi's next club as clear favourite emerges after huge news drops on Inter Miami star's future

Odds on Lionel Messi's next club have been slashed with a clear favourite emerging to sign the Inter Miami star.

On Sunday, Messi was in action as Inter Miami took on European champions Paris Saint Germain in the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup.

Perhaps as expected, PSG came away with a comfortable win as a Joao Neves brace plus a strike from Achraf Hakimi and an own goal by Tomas Aviles secured a 4-0 victory.

On the back of Inter Miami's exit from the Club World Cup, it has been claimed that Messi could consider leaving the MLS side.

As reported by journalist Esteban Edul on ESPN Argentina, Messi is thinking about moving to a more competitive league six months before the 2026 World Cup, which Argentina is set to defend.

As things stand, Messi's contract will expire at the end of the year, making him a free agent ahead of the January transfer window.

It has been suggested that Messi would like to play in a more competitive league in order to prepare better ahead of the World Cup.

In addition, Edul claimed that contract talks between the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Inter Miami have been put on hold.

As a result, odds have slashed on Messi making what would be a sensational return to his former side, Barcelona.

Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Inter Miami. Image: Getty

According to Betfair, Barcelona are 9/2 favourites to sign Messi, followed by the likes of Newell's Old Boys (7/1), Bayern Munich (15/2) and PSG (11/1).

Odds for Lionel Messi's next club (Odds were correct at the time of writing) -

Barcelona - 9/2

Newell's Old Boys - 7/1

Any Saudi team - 15/2

Bayern Munich - 17/2

PSG - 11/1

Man City - 16/1

Chelsea - 20/1

Arsenal - 22/1

Speaking after the Club World Cup exit, Messi said: "We remain with the sentiment against Palmeiras that winning the game 2-0 and drawing we had to face PSG which was more complicated.

"But well, it's not a disappointment either, it's just simply a situation that could've been different. Getting the draw in the final minutes left a sour taste, but I think beyond that we competed. It's over and now we have to think about what's next."