LA GALAXY have joined the race to sign Lionel Messi, according to reports.
The Barcelona star, 32, has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp following his public fall-out with club sporting director Eric Abidal.
Lionel Messi has scored 16 goals for Barcelona this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
According to journalist John E. Rojas, the Major League Soccer side have made contact with Messi’s representatives.
LA Galaxy are among the long-list of clubs that are willing to offer the Argentine icon an escape route from Barca.
The MLS side are keen to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic following his move to AC Milan in January.
And Messi is showing no signs of slowing down this season after racking up 16 goals and 15 assists.
David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole are among the stars who have joined LA Galaxy in the later stage of their careers.
But Juventus are also plotting a move for Messi as they want to line him up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester United are reportedly keen to sign the six-time Ballon d’Or winner on a free transfer at the end of the season.
But Emmanuel Petit has boldly claimed that Messi will struggle in the Premier League because he is not physical enough.
Manchester City and Paris-Saint Germain have also been linked.
Barcelona legend Messi has attracted a wide range of interest since his bust-up with Abidal.
The club’s director of football had accused Barca’s players of not putting in enough effort under Ernesto Valverde prior to his sacking.
In response on social media, Messi said: “Those in charge of sporting direction should also face up to their responsibilities and above all take charge of their own decisions
“When you talk about players you should give names, otherwise you are tainting everyone’s name and feeding rumours which are not true.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
