'Talks underway' for sensational Lionel Messi transfer that would send football into complete meltdown

Lionel Messi's next move in football away from Inter Miami is potentially in the works after discussions have reopened about a potential transfer, according to reports.

Messi has been with the MLS side since 2023 and has won both the Leagues Cup and the Supporters' Shield during his time with the Florida side.

The Argentine has eight Ballon d'Or crowns to his name, the most recent of which was in 2023, and he is regarded by many to be the greatest footballer of all time by many.

Messi came through the youth team ranks at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and made his Barca debut in 2004.

Messi went on to win a total of 10 La Liga titles at the Camp Now, as well, as four Champions League crowns, a trio of UEFA Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups, seven Copa del Reys and seven Supercopa de Espana titles.

The Argentine scored 672 goals in 778 games for the Catalan club, before departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

Messi spent two seasons at PSG between 2021 and 2023 after leaving Barcelona, scoring 32 goals in 75 games and won two Ligue 1 titles, before moving to MLS side Inter Miami, where he remains to this day.

Lionel Messi. (Image: Getty)

Messi has 49 goals in 59 games for Inter Miami and the 37-year-old's contract with the MLS club currently expires at the end of 2025.

Question marks therefore remain over what Messi's future will be beyond the end of this year, and reports have suggested that a previous suitor who had expressed an interest in the forward's services may come back in for the 2022 World Cup winner.

According to Teamtalk, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has 'reopened discussions' with Messi as it aims to entice the forward to the Middle Eastern nation.

Saudi Arabia was a potential destination for Messi when he left PSG in 2023, before he opted for a move to the MLS, but the prospect of the move to the Middle East is now potentially back on the cards.

The Saudi interest stems from the goal to make Messi, along with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the face of the nation's Pro League.

The reports states: "For now, Messi continues with Inter Miami, fully focused on his commitments in MLS and the Club World Cup with his current club, but the Saudi Investment Fund is determined to try again, this time hoping for a different outcome. Further developments are expected soon.

"The possible club Messi would be placed at in the Saudi Pro League has not been discussed yet. The PIF wants to understand Messi’s intentions first.

"Only when Messi opens up to a possible transfer will they move on to evaluate which of the four clubs – Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad or Al Nassr – could be more suitable for him. But it will be discussed later, in an eventual next stage, not yet now."