Antoine Griezmann to tread same path as Lionel Messi? Atletico Madrid star reiterates MLS transfer desire as he admits 'bad stage' at Barcelona changed his career outlook

Griezmann has spoken previously of his attraction to MLS and reaffirmed that desire earlier this month, and has once again outlined his intention to find a club in America to join, as he revealed that his spell at Barcelona completely altered his outlook. He also told GOAL in August that he would much rather move to the United States than to Saudi Arabia amidst an exodus of talent from Europe to the Middle East, and tread the same path as former Barca team-mate Lionel Messi after his summer move to Inter Miami.

The forward also revealed his desire to finish his European career with Atleti, telling AS: “I know that the club is in favour of being able to make an effort and we will talk about it. Beyond Europe, what I would like later is the MLS, I have always recognised that. But Atletico will be almost one hundred percent my last club in Europe. It’s where I want to be, where I see myself happiest and here I am at home.”

He added on his failed spell at Barcelona altering his viewpoint: "Yes, it's true. When you leave you realise it more. You are happy here, but you don’t realise it and you live your day to day life. When you leave and go through a bad stage you realise what it was, what happened and you try to return to that affection, that level and now I wake up every morning and enjoy everything: going to the Hill to train, wearing this badge, being with my teammates, being with this coach… and my family are also very happy here.”

Griezmann played for Atletico between 2014 and 2019 before moving to Barcelona, but he lasted just two years at the club before returning to Madrid in 2021 on loan, and that move was subsequently made permanent. In 365 appearances for Atleti, he has scored 173 goals and laid on 78 assists.

Griezmann's current contract expires in 2026 and he is planning to see that agreement out as it stands. At the end of his next contract, one has to think that a move to MLS may come into view.