Lionel Messi’s stocks are falling! Inter Miami star sees transfer market value decrease since MLS switch

Transfermarkt publishes a number of market values for players and in November, they valued the World Cup winner at €35 million (£30m/$38m), but that has now plunged to €30m (£25m/$32m). The downgrade is understandable, too, considering Messi's age and slight injury issues since his move to the United States.

Messi, 36, played the first three games of the MLS season, scoring three goals in the process, but the Inter Miami captain has since missed the subsequent three games, against Montreal Impact, DC United, and New York Red Bulls, due to a muscle injury. Last season, he made six MLS appearances, and missed five through injury.

Transfermarkt's data administrator for North America, Dominic Becker, explained: "Messi remains the MLS star and, despite his age, is still one of the best footballers on the planet. But age is a factor, even for Messi. He has increasingly struggled with smaller injuries, and a downgrade was impossible to avoid."

Inter Miami are next in action against New York City in MLS on Saturday. It remains to be seen if Messi will be involved.