Antoine Griezmann keen to follow Lionel Messi to the MLS as he decides against Cristiano Ronaldo link-up in Saudi Arabia

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Grienzmann has declared he wishes to follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps and make the move to the MLS before he retires.

The 32-year-old is tied down at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2026, but he is already thinking ahead to the future.

Griezmann is keen to test himself in America before he hangs up his bootsGetty

He is keen to follow former Barcelona teammate Messi in making the move to the MLSAFP or licensors

Griezmann, who starred in France’s World Cup triumph in 2018, has made no secret in the past of testing himself in America.

And while on international duty, the former Barcelona forward reaffirmed his intentions to link-up with ex-teammate Messi Stateside.

He also seemingly shut down a big money move to the Middle East to join Cristiano Ronaldo and French compatriots Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante in Saudi Arabia.

The 2018 Europa League winner told AS: “I understand those who have gone to Saudi Arabia!

“We are talking about incredible sums of money.

“Some want to protect their children and grandchildren, it seems normal to me.

“They will have the obligation to play well and show all their talent.

“Could I go? I have a family and three children, it’s not an easy decision to make but as you know, MLS is still my goal.”

Griezmann will no doubt be keeping a close eye on how Messi is doing at Inter MiamiGetty

The Frenchman has appeared to shut down any talk of a future Saudi switchGetty

Griezmann recently revealed that he rejected a move away from the Spanish side in the summer in his quest to become the club’s all-time top scorer.

With 158 goals for Atletico, he is closing in Luis Arogones’ record, which stands at 172 strikes.

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr side were claimed to be keen on signing him, but they were ultimately rebuffed by the Les Bleus icon.

Quoted by GFFN, he remarked: “There were calls and contacts, I was focused on my club, I’m 15 goals away from the record for the club’s all-time top scorer.

“It’s as I told my sister: I’m not moving, I’m staying here.

“I’m going to try and break the record, it’s taken a while to reinstate myself in the eyes of the fans – it isn’t the moment to leave.”