Lionel Messi’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season is now certain, as doubts over his future were dispelled when the club suspended him for two weeks. However, sources indicate that Lionel Messi father, Jorge, had informed PSG a month ago that his son was planning to move on.
Although Barcelona are keen to re-sign their former player, it is unclear whether they can reach an agreement that complies with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations. Meanwhile, Inter Miami of Major League Soccer is also vying for Messi’s signature. While Al Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club, has offered the 35-year-old a staggering sum of over £350m per year.
Lionel Messi signed a two-year deal with PSG in the summer of 2021. Following his departure from Barcelona due to their financial struggles. Since joining the French club, the 35-year-old has made 71 appearances, scoring 31 goals, providing 34 assists, and helping his team secure the title in 2022.
On Wednesday night, PSG publicly denounced the behavior of certain fans who reportedly gathered outside the home of Neymar and chanted for Messi to leave the club.
“Paris Saint-Germain most strongly condemns the intolerable and insulting actions of a small group of individuals that took place on Wednesday.” “Whatever the differences of opinion, nothing justifies such actions. The club gives its full support to its players, its staff and all those targeted by such shameful behavior’s.”
Paris Saint Germain
Messi’s Next Chapter: Potential Destinations After Leaving PSG
Lionel Messi’s representatives had been in talks with PSG over a contract renewal. Everything seemed positive during the World Cup in Qatar. However, the situation has since changed.
While PSG considers their signing of Messi a success both on and off the pitch. Certain part of the club’s fanbase turned on the player after their elimination from the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
Furthermore, Lionel Messi was suspended by PSG earlier this week for taking a personal promotional trip to Saudi Arabia without permission. Despite allegedly requesting permission from the club to travel to the country. Lionel Messi went on Sunday night, having already postponed the trip twice due to team defeats. PSG’s hierarchy held meetings and subsequently suspended Messi for two games and fined him two weeks’ salary.
As a result of his suspension, Messi will miss Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio, but he could return for the PSG’s clash against Auxerre on May 21. Since the World Cup, neither Lionel Messi nor the PSG team have been performing as well as expected. His departure from PSG in the summer will align with the club’s new strategy of focusing on young French players instead of acquiring superstar talents.
Read More: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Man United, and Man City fight for €40m Midfielder.
Can Barcelona Bring Back Lionel Messi ?
Despite his potential departure from PSG. Lionel Messi remains confident in his ability to play at the highest level in Europe. Barcelona has made it clear that they want to re-sign him this summer. Though it is unclear whether they can afford to offer him a new contract.
Barcelona is making efforts to offer Lionel Messi a new contract this summer. The club has already engaged in talks with LaLiga to explore the possibility of generating more flexibility in their Financial Fair Play ratio. The aim is to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp for what is likely to be his final year in European football.
However, the process is expected to be challenging as Barca had already breached their spending limits during the 2021-22 season. LaLiga had charged them for exceeding the limit with three players, including former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen. As a result, Barca had to re-register Gavi as an academy player. Although they have successfully appealed the fine against Christensen, the club remains on the brink of their spending limit.
In order to accommodate a potential Messi return, Barcelona will likely need to offload players. The club is already at the very limit of their spending capacity, so it will not be easy for them to secure the funds needed to retain their star player.
It is more likely that Messi will continue playing in Europe rather than moving to Inter Miami or any other MLS club or Saudi Arabia, given the stage of his career. Lionel Messi was seen in Riyadh on Monday and publicized his presence in the country on his social media channels. It is worth noting that Messi already serves as a tourism ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia club Al Hilal has expressed interest in signing Lionel Messi for the upcoming season. The club reportedly offered a staggering £400m for just one year in order to boost their league’s image, which already boasts Cristiano Ronaldo. The club is said to have the backing of the country to make this deal happen.
On Monday, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb tweeted a welcome to Messi. He posted pictures of the player, despite the fact that he had just played the full 90 minutes in PSG’s 3-1 home defeat to Lorient.
“I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.” “We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality.”
Al-Khateeb tweeted
Read More: Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo Plan to Leave Saudi Arabia
