Messi’s strict rule for swapping shirts — but rare exception made
Antoine Griezmann could be set for a reunion with Lionel Messi in the United States after receiving numerous offers to play in MLS. Atletico Madrid are understood to be willing to let the forward leave the La Liga club at the end of the season and he has already received offers from teams.
Despite his current contract expiring in 2026, the Frenchman appears to be on his way to MLS as the league’s latest high profile signing. The move would follow in the footsteps of his fellow former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba – who signed for Inter Miami earlier in the year.
According to the report from Spanish news outlet fichajes.net, via Sport, Griezmann is wanting to seek a move to a ‘minor league and with less pressure on the field of play.’
The report also adds that his replacement has been found with Juventus and Italy winger Federico Chiesa top of the list. A bid worth around £60 million would be possible for Chiesa if Griezmann was off the books at the end of the season.
Griezmann has been vocal about his love for American culture in the past and his ambitions to play in MLS. The move would come as little surprise and the Frenchman could be swayed by the idea of linking up with his former La Blaugrana teammates.
The quartet of Griezmann, Messi, Busquets and Alba spent two seasons together at Barcelona during a turbulent period for the club. The spell saw the French striker net 35 goals in 102 games with the team winning the Copa del Rey, but failing to claim a La Liga title or the Champions League.
Inter Miami would be the obvious destination for Griezmann given his links with a number of the team’s players. The 31-year-old recently praised Messi for his move to the team, saying: “He’s an incredible player and I think the best thing MLS has done is to sign up Leo – just for advertising and also for the sports quality.”
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Adding to his point the 2018 World Cup winner said: “I’ve always said that my objective would be to end there (in MLS). Because I like American sports, I’d like to play in MLS and to enjoy playing there – to be competitive, to be able to win there and to play at my top level.
“But first of all, I’d like to continue to make history here. To win titles here with Atletico. We’ll see obviously in the future but for me one of my objectives is to end up playing in MLS.”
Griezmann currently has one goal in three games this season for Atletico Madrid and is next in action for the French national team when they face Ireland in the UEFA Euro qualifiers tomorrow.
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