It emerged last week that the Argentine has a sneaky clause in his contract which would allow him to end a 15-year stint at the Nou Camp. Various clubs were then linked with making a move.
But any speculation hadn’t been given substance until Sidwell began to talk sense on the Liquid Football Podcast, which is produced by JOE in partnership with Paddy Power.
The former Chelsea midfielder reckons Messi could be off for a final big pay-day (because he is really short of cash) in the MLS. Beckham’s Inter Miami will enter the league next season – once they get a squad and manager together.
“Messi could possibly leave on a free come the end of the season,” Sidwell said. “I am just saying that Messi could possibly… It is an Adidas club, an Adidas league, an Adidas player – they could pay big money.”
Sidwell played down that he had any inside knowledge of a potential blockbuster transfer which seems more Football Manager than football whispers.
However, fellow podcast pundit Jon Walters teased the ex-Chelsea man about knowing more than he is letting on.
Walters added: “Sometimes when someone throws something out there… Wayne Rooney went to Derby, didn’t he. Someone said to me before he went to Derby he could have gone back to Man United in January.
“It was someone in the know so there must have been something there for him to say it. For you to say that there is something there, that’s what I’m saying.”
Sidwell showed no sign of backtracking.
MIAMI, FL – JULY 12: David Beckham attends a meeting at the Miami City Hall during a public hearing about building a Major League soccer stadium on a public golf course on July 12, 2018 in Miami, Florida. Mr. Beckham and his partners attended the meeeting at the City of Miami during a public hearing in their effort to build a Major League Soccer stadium in the City of Miami for their professional soccer team. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“There was something released the other day wasn’t there about Messi could leave at the end of the season on a free,” he replied.
“I think one of the players said he has earned the right to do whatever he wants. If he wants to leave he can do that. I am just throwing it out there.”
That would be some statement to the football world if Beckham can pull off such a coup. But first he may want to start thinking about bringing in a manager so the players don’t have to decide between themselves who plays.
Ex-Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is the current favourite with David Moyes and Thierry Henry also in the mix. However, Sidwell’s ears perked when he heard Ancelotti was leading the race.
“He has got a good relationship with Ancelotti hasn’t he, David Beckham,” he said.
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