Jerome Rothen on Leo Messi: ?We don?t want him. He?s not invested in the club. 18G/16A is all well and good against Angers and Clermont, but he disappears in big games. It?s a joke. We?ve seen what he can do [in the World Cup]. He just doesn?t help PSG in the slightest.? ����
Unfortunately, that's actually true. He lacks motivation when he plays for PSG. A difference between his attitude when he plays for Argentina vs PSG is visible from the Moon. For example, when asked about Messi, Josko Gvardiol stated that he is the GOAT but he is also totally different player when he plays for PSG or when he plays for Argentina. He faced him two times last year, once with RB and once with Croatia and had two totaly different experiences.
We all have to admit that he just isn't willing to sacrifice his body anymore while playing for PSG and that's understandable. IMHO it's best for all parties to part ways this summer. Messi either needs to move to MLS or find a club where he would be willing to give hist best for at least one more season. Problem is that apart from Barca I can't see any other club in Europe he would be willing to fight for in the same way he does for his national team.
With all that in mind, I also don't see him going back to Newells. Barcelona is his home and not Rosario. Furthermore, I sincerely doubt't that he wants to live in Argentina with his family.
Let's analyze who (Barca not included) can pay him and who would tolerate 36y old Messi:
In Germany:
Bayern - would not pay and would not tolerate
In France:
No one except PSG.
In Spain:
He wouldn't play for any club except Barca
In Italy:
Probably Juve, Milan, Inter and Napoli would all want him for one season. However, I honestly don't think they can afford him and I don't see him going there. For what would he fight for? Serie A? I don't think that motivates him at all.
In England:
Newcastle - they would pay and they would tolerate but no way he is going there.
Liverpool - would not won't him and would not pay him.
City - they can afford him but Pep would not wan't a 36y old Messi. No way in hell.
United - no way Ten Hag needs another Ronaldo case. He would strongly oppose.
Arsenal - I doubt they can pay and Arteta probably wouldn't wan't him.
Chelsea - they can probably pay and maybe they would wan't him for one season. However, problem is that they probably won't play CL next season so that's also off.
We also need to understand that Barca is not a viable option. Laporta and Xavi never said no to his return but they also never said yes. If you read between the lines they all moved on and no one want's to go back to the past. His return in this stage of his career would probably create more problems than benefits for him and Barca.
When we consider all of that, I honestly can't see any suitable club in Europe for him at the moment, at least not with his current financial demands and his "PSG state of mind".