Lionel Messi next club odds: Barcelona, Saudi and Newell’s Old Boys in for Lionel Messi say UK bookies

Following Inter Miami’s exit from the new-look FIFA Club World Cup, Lionel Messi has been linked to a move away from David Beckham’s club.

At 38 years old, the Argentine superstar shows no signs of slowing down – as proven by consistent performances throughout this summer’s international club tournament.

Several sides would jump at the opportunity to land Messi’s signature. But, according to the UK’s best bookmakers, there is one clear favourite.

Barcelona – 5/1 (William Hill)

It is well understood that Messi never wanted to depart the Catalan outfit in 2021.

Now, four years on from a dramatic switch to PSG, Lionel Messi could return to the club where he spent 16 successful seasons and scored over 650 goals. 

William Hill provide the best odds on this transfer (5/1), while BetVictor (4/1) and Paddy Power (9/2) are also in the mix. 

While this stands as a dream scenario for all involved, it is far from the only possible outcome.

Any Saudi Arabian team – 7/1 (BetVictor)

A rekindling of one of football’s most intense rivalries could be seen in the Saudi Pro League during 2026, as Lionel Messi’s entourage have reportedly held talks with Al-Ahli over a potential move. 

Hence, some of the best UK bookmakers have published odds on Messi facing off against Cristiano Ronaldo next year – with BetVictor (7/1) and William Hill (8/1) delivering the most valuable odds.

Whether Messi’s Saudi switch comes to fruition remains to be seen. If the transfer were to materialise, it would mark a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s quest for footballing validation.

Newell’s Old Boys – 7/1 (Sky Bet)

Sky Bet and Paddy Power have Messi to join his boyhood side, Newell’s Old Boys, at 7/1.

Rumours of this move have swirled for years, but 2026 will likely be the first tangible opportunity for the seven-time Argentine Primera Division to land the nation’s hero.

If Barcelona and Saudi Arabian outfits fail to agree terms with Messi, there is every chance that Newell’s Old Boys are his next destination.

Bayern Munich – 10/1 (William Hill)

The reigning German champions are not against welcoming older players to the starting lineup. For example, Harry Kane and Sadio Mane each joined the club in their thirties.

Lionel Messi may be closer in age to 39-year-old manager Vincent Kompany, but his attacking prowess could prove effective in the Bundesliga. 

And with Jamal Musiala’s fitness a consistent concern — particularly after a horror injury during the Club World Cup — as well as doubts over the long-term impacts of Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, Messi might be precisely what Bayern Munich need.

William Hill currently offer Messi to Bayern at 10/1.

Where else could Messi go?

PSG (11/1, Sky Bet) have been mooted – but few would expect the 2025 Champions League winners to invest in an ageing forward under its current youth-focused strategy.

Manchester City (20/1, BetVictor) appears a more likely proposition. If anyone is capable of convincing Lionel Messi to join the Premier League, it’s his former manager Pep Guardiola. 

At 22/1 with William Hill, Chelsea might present an offer – but the probability of Messi moving to London is quite low. With that said, stranger things have happened.