Where could Messi go next?

Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou

Everyone is punting on where Lionel Messi will go next and Alex Johnson is no different as she lists her five potential landing spots for the Argentine star.

As if following Chelsea's Instagram account wasn't enough to spark speculation Lionel Messi may leave Barcelona,

Reports in Spain are now suggesting a complete breakdown in the Argentine's relationship with manager Luis Enrique.

Could the unthinkable happen; will the greatest player of this generation - apologies Cristiano - depart the Nou Camp?

It certainly looks a possibility, so, given these latest developments we assess some possible destinations should Messi call time on his Catalan career.

Chelsea

Seems like a logical place to begin given the social media developments this week. Was the Instagram follow a subliminal message to the Stamford Bridge hierarchy? There will be no shortage of Blues fans hoping that is the case.

Chelsea tick a lot of the right boxes, a big club competing in one of Europe's best leagues and regularly challenging for Champions League honours. In Eden Hazard, Oscar and Cesc Fabregas they also boast the type of player Messi likes to work alongside.

Boss Jose Mourinho would surely love to get one over on his former employer's (Real Madrid) sworn enemies Barcelona by signing their talisman.

As we witnessed with Alexis Sanchez in the summer just past, London is also a key selling point.

Bayern Munich

What could be calling Messi to the Bundesliga? Domestic bliss blended with one of the most lethal attacking forces in European football right now. No arguments there.

But of course the ace in the pack for Bayern is Pep Guardiola, the father figure of Messi's development at the Nou Camp.

Under Guardiola's charge, Messi became the shining light in what will surely come to be recognised as the greatest club side ever assembled.

At Barca, Guardiola seemed to get the very best from his Number 10 every week.

Linking up with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller at the Allianz Arena would be a sideways rather than downwards step. Not many clubs can offer that.

Manchester City

No doubting if Messi is going to come on the market then City will seek to get involved. The Premier League champions are expertly positioned to give the 27-year-old the kind of contract that even mega-rich players seem to thrive on when their late 20s arrive.

If Messi wants to sample the Premier League then where better than the Etihad amongst a galaxy of stars that have twice been crowned champions in three seasons.

Elevating City to the next level in Europe would be the key challenge in front of him were he to arrive. The presence of life-long friend Sergio Aguero could be a unique selling point.

Real Madrid

He couldn't possibly, could he? It does seem a leap of faith but ask Luis Figo, it can be done. Current Barca boss Luis Enrique also crossed Spain's bitter divide - perhaps Messi would sow the ultimate revenge on his manager by jumping ship to the opposition.

On purely footballing reasons, the Bernabeu would be heaven on earth for Messi.

Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, James Rodriguez...a cast of attacking talent the envy of any club. But then there is Ronaldo. Never the twain shall meet.

The pair have always maintained a relatively dignified stance when it comes to talking about each other but the prospect of teaming up with Ronaldo - even more so than leaving Barca to join Real - surely means Madrid is off limits for Messi.

Manchester United

The ultimate one-upmanship on Ronaldo would be to make a home at the club the Portuguese keeps close to his heart.

United have demonstrated their willingness to instil faith, and money, in Louis van Gaal's rebuilding programme.

Could they attract the brightest star of all to the Theatre of Dreams?

Manchester United have got the history, the brand and the clout to lure Messi to Old Trafford. They can also realistically point to a future potentially laden once again with success. However, whether they have the level of finance to secure and pay someone like Messi is open to question.