Lionel Messi will definitely leave Paris Saint Germain this summer after his suspension from the side emerged as ‘the final breaking point’ between the World Cup winner and the French giants.
Messi only joined PSG in 2021, after he was let go by Barcelona in a bid to comply with financial fair play regulations, signing a two year contract in the French capital.
After a disappointing first season (by his standards), the Argentine has enjoyed a much more productive campaign this time around, with 15 goals and 15 assists to his name in Ligue 1 so far this season.
However, his contract is up this summer as things stand, and there have been increasing concerns that he may not continue at the Parc des Princes following a string of poor results.
Now, the two week suspension that the club have slapped the World Cup winner with following his undisclosed trip to Saudi Arabia earlier in the week has proved ‘the final nail in the coffin’, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing that there are ‘no doubts’ that Messi will leave at the end of the season.
Lionel Messi of PSG during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match Paris Saint Germain v Angers SCO at Parc des Princes on January 11, 2023 in Paris, France. Photo by Christian Liewig/ABACAPRESS.COM 2M83A5F Lionel Messi of PSG during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match Paris Saint Germain v Angers SCO at Parc des Princes on January 11, 2023 in Paris, France. Photo by Christian Liewig/ABACAPRESS.COM (Alamy Stock Photo)
It remains unclear just where the 35-year-old will end up, with interest from both Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and from the MLS.
“Today he could not be registered, but there is still time,” La Liga chief Javier Tebas told reporters las month.
“We are awaiting a feasibility plan. They can sell players, for sure — but they still have some players to register too
“Barcelona must take many financial measures and ease their salary scale to undertake his registration. They most do a lot of effort in bringing him back,”
“Hopefully, for La Liga, Barça will make the necessary moves for Messi to come, but we will not change a rule for Messi to return.