Lionel Messi is unlikely to be a PSG player next season. A break-up is reportedly already favoured by both sides

Lionel Messi’s association with PSG is very likely to come to an end. Contract extension talks, which were very lively after the World Cup in Qatar, are now at a standstill. Unless a Qatari sponsor steps in directly, there will be a break-up after the season. This is probably already preferred by both sides.

At the end of 2022, Lionel Messi led Argentina to the world title and everything was pointing towards him agreeing a new contract with PSG management. This was to concern, in particular, the player’s salary. However, the agreement was to be signed after Lionel returned from the celebrations in his native Argentina.

However, after his return to Paris, the new contract is still not signed. In the meantime, however, relations between the two sides have become strained. On the one hand, it’s the club’s dissatisfaction that the team has once again dropped out of the Champions League early, and on the other, the hostility of some PSG fans who repeatedly boo Messi.

In other words, the PSG management is being questioned about the club’s investment in the player who was supposed to lead them to their dream Champions League title. Thus, the club would most like to reduce the expenses on Messi’s payroll with a new contract.

But he is unlikely to agree to a pay cut and the only possible option to get Messi to stay at the club is to increase his wages with the help of a Qatari sponsor.

Messi has a record of 29 goals and 31 assists in 67 competitive games for PSG. He is also the best passer in the French Ligue 1 this season.

Possible return to Barcelona

Moreover, continuing at PSG is no longer Messi’s priority either. The recent boos against him, a year after those following PSG’s Champions League elimination against Real Madrid, are another episode in the seesaw of the relationship between Messi and the Parisian environment.

In addition, Barcelona, where Messi has spent most of his career, has been increasingly vocal of late. But the club where, unlike PSG, the fans love him is still in financial trouble.

His return to the Camp Nou is therefore still more of a wish than a reality. Unless, perhaps, Messi significantly eases up on his financial demands. But Barcelona continue to look for options to bring him back while staying within the confines of La Liga’s financial fair play.

Sources: RMC Sport, twitter