Sports
What Messi secretly thinks about Manchester United
The Argentine’s time in Europe may be over, but that hasn’t stopped fans and football enthusiasts from wondering what Lionel Messi would be like in the English Premier League, especially with a top side like Manchester United.
While it may seem far-fetched, Messi has reportedly given a private view on the possibility of linking up with his former Barcelona teammate Xavi at Old Trafford.
With United in the midst of their worst start to a Premier League season since 1989, pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag, and club intermediaries are said to be in talks with Xavi over a sensational replacement.
Read More:
Manchester United hold talks with former Barcelona coach
For United fans, the idea of Xavi taking the reins brings more than just tactical intrigue—it brings memories of Barcelona’s golden era where he and Messi formed a legendary partnership.
Though Messi is now lighting up the MLS with Inter Miami at 37 years old, the prospect of a reunion with Xavi in England, however improbable, could spark a frenzy among the Old Trafford faithful.
Back in 2007, Messi rejected a move to United when Sir Alex Ferguson was still at the helm, but fast forward to today, and things might be different.
In 2020, The Athletic reported that Messi was ‘more charmed’ by the idea of playing for “historic English clubs like Manchester United.” And with Xavi’s potential arrival in Manchester, the idea of Messi donning the famous red jersey once again rears its head—no matter how unlikely.
The World Cup winner prior to his move to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2021/22 season drew links to Manchester City as speculations emerged on a reunion with former coach, Pep Guardiola.
While it’s hard to imagine Messi making the switch to England at this stage of his career, Xavi’s move could theoretically give him a reason to consider it.
Having worked together during their glory days at Camp Nou, Xavi’s leadership at Old Trafford could be the one thing that tempts Messi toward an unexpected Premier League chapter before his playing days come to a close.
But, of course, in football, dreams rarely come true—especially when they involve one of the game’s greatest ever players making a dramatic final act in the theatre of dreams.
