Messi could face Rooney’s DC United in first MLS game if he joins Beckham’s Inter Miami

As Lionel Messi looks to have burned all bridges at Paris Saint-Germain, all focus is beginning to be paid towards his next potential club when his contract expires

Messi is reportedly set to leave PSG at the end of the season (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

One of Lionel Messi’s first matches could be against Wayne Rooney’s DC United, if he does move to David Beckham’s franchise Inter Miami.

The Argentinian’s relationship with Paris Saint-Germain appears to be irretrievable, after he was suspended for taking a trip to Saudi Arabia, without permission from the club. Messi was forced into issuing a grovelling apology on social media, after the French giants suspended him for two weeks.

With his time at the club set to come to an end when the season climaxes, Messi has once again been linked with the MLS giants, as well as a lucrative move to Saudi side Al Hilal. However, if he does move over to the States, his first match could be against the Manchester United legend.

For his pre-match press conference previewing his side’s away match against Cincinnati, Rooney was quizzed about the prospect of Messi arriving in the States. “I think wherever Messi plays, then of course, it’s going to be good for the League,”

The former England captain said. “There’s rumours, which we hear, that he is going to join Inter Miami, which, if he does, the League will be great.

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“I think if the time is right, as it happens, I think he will potentially be the first game we play against. We look forward to trying to stop him if that is the case.” The World Cup winner’s contract in the French capital comes to an end this summer, thus making him a free agent.

As well as Beckham’s club and Al Hilal, he has also been linked with an emotional return to Barcelona. Blaugrana manager Xavi, who was Messi’s teammate throughout his time at the club, has already hinted he would be keen on a reunion with the Argentine.

The Catalans are on the cusp of winning their first La Liga title since 2019 – a campaign which saw Messi contribute 36 goals and 14 assists in 3 League appearances. However, the Argentine could be in line to receive an eye watering $438m (£350m) per season, if he chooses to move to the Middle East.

This would make him, by some distance, the highest paid sportsmen in world football.