Lionel Messi off to MLS?

Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi is beloved by the millions of aficionados behind FC Barcelona who are in awe of his amazing skills. Yet they are likely to be shocked after Messi reportedly said that he will bolt Spain for the U.S.

According to several “sources”, Messi is rumored to leave Barca and join a Major League Soccer (MLS) team. During practice for tonight’s World Cup Qualifier against Bolivia, Messi allegedly told teammates that “if el mellizo can do it then why can’t I?” (This remark would be in reference to countryman Guillermo Barros Schelotto who played a key role in the Columbus Crew’s championship last season).

MLS commissioner Don Garber was unavailable for comment though some eyewitnesses said that he made drunken, disparaging remarks about David Beckham during an impromptu party yesterday. In addition, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has yet to speak out on the rumors despite his insistence last month that "Messi is not for sale and that's it.”

Messi’s transfer will likely fall under the Designated Player Rule where MLS teams are allowed to sign one player outside the approximately $2.3 million salary cap. Thus, Messi could join Barros Schelotto in Columbus or his fellow Argentine Claudio Lopez in Kansas City. Bookmakers in England placed their best odds on Messi joining Beckham at the Los Angeles Galaxy. Apparently, the bookies have anticipated that MLS execs will bend the rules and favor a star-studded squad in L.A.

Image- Daily Mail (The sight of Lio Messi in a Barca jersey may soon come to an end).
Online Sources- Times Online, SI.com, MLS, Wikipedia, ESPN.com