Lionel Messi to Leave Paris Saint-Germain Despite Agreeing to Stay During the World Cup

Lionel Messi is reportedly close to leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer despite agreeing that he would stay for another year with the French giants during the World Cup.

Citing reports from French media outlets, Daily Mail reported that the contract of the Argentine superstar, who plays as a forward for PSG, runs out at the end of the season, and the football club offered him another year.

Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, reportedly told Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi that his son had agreed to remain at the club during last winter's World Cup in Qatar, where Messi led Argentina to glory.

However, French outlet L'Equipe reported that Messi and the club are "close to divorce," with Argentina's legend planning to leave at the season's conclusion after talks in recent weeks only served to drive both parties further apart.

After spending 2021 in Paris, Messi's family reportedly wanted to return to Barcelona, Spain, where he spent his entire career before moving to PSG.

For PSG to comply with Financial Fair Play requirements, Messi must accept a 25% salary pay cut from his massive £25.6 million (US$ 31.9 million) annual contract.

Messi also reportedly wanted assurances from Paris Saint-Germain that managers and players could remain at the highest level. However, PSG has yet to unable to alleviate his concerns.

Barcelona Plans to Bring Lionel Messi Back

There are rumors that Lionel Messi is now exploring his options as he is "'increasingly uncertain" about staying with Paris Saint-Germaine.

SportsMole reported that Barcelona had stepped up their pursuit of Messi, with the Spanish club determined to bring the Argentine legend back to Camp Nou this summer.

At the end of June, the 35-year-old football star's deal with Paris Saint-Germain will expire, and there has been much speculation linking him to a return to the team he left on a free transfer in 2021.

Rafa Yuste, vice president of Barcelona, acknowledged that the club had contacted Messi's camp about a possible return to Camp Nou.

"We've been in contact with Leo Messi's camp. Leo knows how much we appreciate him, and I'd love for him to come back," Yuste told reporters. "For sure, Messi loves Barca and the city, so we hope to find the right conditions to continue his history here."

During a press conference on Friday, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez was asked about a potential transfer, and he answered that he would like to see the World Cup winner return "home."

Lionel Messi Does Not Want to Renew Contract With Paris Saint-Germain

According to reports last January, Lionel Messi has no plans to extend his deal with Paris Saint-Germain once it expires.

After spending his entire career with FC Barcelona, the seven-time Ballon d'Or champion moved to the Ligue 1 powerhouse in the summer of 2021.

Forbes reported that Paris Saint-Germain signed Messi to a two-year contract after the cash-strapped Catalans could not negotiate with the Argentine superstar due to the league's salary limit.

Messi's status is uncertain after June 30, when the contract ends. It was stated before the World Cup that Messi planned to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, but there have been rumors that something has yet to be finalized in recent weeks.

Gerard Romero, a top source on FC Barcelona's transfer dealings the previous summer, claimed that Lionel Messi has no plans to renew his contract with Paris Saint-Germain as he wanted to evaluate things, especially his next step.

Last year, Messi was included on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid soccer players due to his $120 million earnings, of which $65 million were made on-field and $55 million off-field.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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