‘He Wins Them the Premier League’ – Lionel Messi At Arsenal Claim With Gunners Still in the Market for a Forward That Can Deliver Top‑Flight Crown

If Lionel Messi Joined Arsenal, Could He Really Gift Them the Premier League?

There’s a moment in every football season when fans dare to dream. And lately, whispers have grown louder: “Imagine Lionel Messi at Arsenal.” Even though it seems impossible, talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein went further—claiming that if Lionel Messi were to line up at the Emirates, “he wins them the Premier League.”

It’s the sort of bold statement that gets your pulse racing, even if just for a second. Could the greatest player of all time truly transform Arsenal’s title hopes overnight? Let’s unpack that.

What’s Being Said? Goldstein’s Surprising Take

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

On air recently, Goldstein didn’t mince words:

“You know what, I think if he plays up top for Arsenal, he wins them the Premier League. I genuinely do. If you’ve got Lionel Messi scoring goals, I think he wins them [the title]. Where’s their weakness, Arsenal? It’s probably the lack of a No.9. Kai Havertz isn’t the answer. […] I think if Messi went to Arsenal, they’d win the Premier League.”

It’s a compelling argument. Arsenal have been sniffing around for a reliable number nine. Kai Havertz has been serviceable, but he doesn’t quite offer that lethal edge. For Goldstein, Lionel Messi is the kind of difference-maker who could vault Arsenal over rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Lionel Messi‑to‑Arsenal Theory Is Catchy

There’s a reason this claim is grabbing headlines. Let’s look at the context:

1. Lionel Messi’s Legendary Legacy

From Camp Nou glory to PSG superstardom, and now lighting up Inter Miami and the Club World Cup, Lionel Messi’s résumé is untouchable. The only thing he hasn’t done is conquer the Premier League—a blank spot on an otherwise immaculate career.

2. Arsenal’s Number Nine Problem

Mikel Arteta’s side has stitches in several areas—midfield depth, defensive cover, and yes, a true goal-getter. Arsenal dropped points too casually last season, sometimes lacking that clinical edge in front of goal. With the Taliban gone and a Gunners side brimming with energy, adding Lionel Messi would completely change the dynamic.

3. Cold, Windy Stoke-Stadium Test

People still bring up that old line: “Could he do it on a cold, windy night in Stoke?” Lionel Messi’s career never answered that directly. Maybe that’s why the notion he could succeed in the Premier League is still tantalising.

But Goldstein emphasizes this isn’t a gimmick. He believes it’s a legitimate possibility: “If you’ve got Lionel Messi scoring goals… he wins them the title.”

Other Voices: Cundy on What Almost Was

Former Chelsea player Jason Cundy chimed in too:

“When he went to PSG, I was so done with that decision. It was so boring. City were in for him. I believe Chelsea were in for him. Other teams… Imagine if he’d come to the Premier League. Imagine what that would have been like.”

Cundy hints that the near-misses—Chelsea, City—were where the real excitement lay. Could Lionel Messi have chosen Manchester? Arsenal? In hindsight, maybe he would have. It gives this fantasy scenario more bite.

Still, Lionel Messi Stayed Away—At Least for Now

Lionel Messi Barcelona 2021

Messi never once committed to Premier League life. After Barcelona, he chose PSG, then Inter Miami. He’s already won big trophies—including that World Cup in 2022. Now, as he chases more success post-2026 World Cup, it doesn’t sound like England’s calling.

He’s 38 now. His priority seems to be cementing his legacy with Miami and preparing mentally for Argentina’s title defence in 2026. Toward that, Arsenal—or any Europe return—seems unlikely.

But If He Did Go to Arsenal…

Let’s imagine for a moment:

1. He arrives on a free—unlikely, given Inter Miami’s contract, but imagine.

2. Arsenal shift their attack around Lionel Messi—maybe Vini-esque runs alongside, or Havertz playing off him.

3. Players like Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka, Havertz, or Trossard feed him. Arsenal suddenly have a unit that balances creativity, hard work, and—most importantly—ruthlessness in front of goal.

4. Night after night, teams face a force that redefines pressing, attacking, and dramatic flair.

Could they overturn City in the title race? In Goldstein’s view, yes. Their weakness solved, the Emirates could feel the electricity again.

So Why Won’t It Happen?

Age and Physicality

Messi is phenomenal, but he’s not immune to age. The Premier League is a relentless fight—both physically and mentally. Could he handle the pace? He might adapt, but that’s a gamble.

Financial Realities

Even nearing free agency, Barcelona and English clubs would need to negotiate extraordinary terms with Inter Miami. And with wage structures and FFP in play, it’s just not practical.

Messi’s Next Steps

He’s playing for a club that’s not walking away from him. He’s already in North America, with a fresh new project, and his eye is on a World Cup defence. Returning to Europe at this stage? It’s not high on the priority list.

Final Word: A Fun What‑If—But Goldstein’s Not Just Whistling Dixie

Let’s be clear: Lionel Messi to Arsenal is a scenario best left for dreamers. He’s not a realistic option. But here’s what makes it more than a fluke concept: Goldstein’s point isn’t noise. It’s grounded in Arsenal’s actual need, Lionel Messi’s actual quality, and football’s endless fascination with what if moments.

Could it work? Perhaps not. But if it did, the Gunners wouldn’t slip up in tight fixtures. Because Lionel Messi might be the one man who literally wins them the Premier League.

Until it’s more than talk, enjoy the headline, embrace the “what if,” and trust that football’s greatest player remains an extraordinary thought experiment—in England, or anywhere.