The options for Lionel Messi in Europe are slim, as FC Barcelona is the only club linked to the 35-year-old. While remaining in the old continent is uncertain, talkSPORT’s Darren Bent explained why Messi’s European prospects are low.
Messi likely wants one last crack at winning the UEFA Champions League trophy, but Bent noted that a team like Arsenal shouldn’t be interested in the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
“I would keep Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka [over Lionel Messi],” Bent said Thursday. “I think the game’s moved on. You can’t have passengers. I think everyone has to do their part …
“This is not the lifetime achievement award; this is about right now … He wasn’t the difference for PSG winning the Champions League.”
✅ “I’d have Messi in the squad.”
👀 “I would keep Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka [over Lionel Messi]
🙏 “The game’s moved on, you can’t have passengers! Everyone must do their part!”
Darren Bent doubts Lionel Messi would start for #AFC if he joined Arteta’s team. pic.twitter.com/JTZwAO35eQ
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 1, 2023
Many are puzzled as to why other top European leagues aren’t interested in the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Nonetheless, if Messi wants to keep his salary, it limits the number of clubs interested in the Argentine.
However, Messi still has plenty to offer, as he’s shown this 2023 season since the PSG star is two assists shy from tying the single-season Ligue 1 assists record.
It will be interesting to see where Messi decides to continue the final years of his career, but a decision should come soon.
He would be a great influence on the young players, but he could not cope with the pace and physical aspects of the premiership on a week by week basis, he would be injured all the time.