Lionel Messi already has luxury apartment in Miami & could time move in line with children's education

Lionel Messi may put up with Barcelona until 2023, when he could depart for the United States in order to tie relocation in with his children's education. Meanwhile, it is also reported that Messi has already bought a luxury apartment in the city of Miami.

The Argentinian's Barcelona future has been the topic of speculation since he handed in a transfer request during the summer of 2020 following a turbulent season at Camp Nou. However, Messi was ultimately unable to force an exit due to the contractual stumbling block of his €700m release clause.

The forward's Barcelona contract expires in the summer of 2021, and although he has insisted that he will not enter into negotiations with another club until then, he did reveal his desire to try his hand in another league before he retires - and name dropped the United States as an example.

Reports since surfaced to suggest that the mention of the United States was not just an innocent, passing comment. Messi is said to have spoken to former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez about teaming up once more at Inter Miami - the MLS side owned by David Beckham.

According to Spanish news outlet Cadena Ser, the 33-year-old could hold out on a move to Miami until 2023 in order for his children to attend high school in the United States prior to going to university. Messi has three children, currently aged eight, five and two.

The culture in the States, the education his children would receive and the MLS is all said to be an 'attractive' prospect for the Barcelona man.

The report drops in that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner purchased an apartment in the exclusive Sunny Isles area of Miami a year and a half ago, located in the luxurious Porsche Design Tower - a 25-minute drive from the Inter Miami stadium.

Messi has also been linked with a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, and former teammate Neymar at PSG.

The Barcelona presidential election takes place on 24 January, which could go a long way to determining the future of the club and Messi.