Lionel Messi is likely to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer when his contract runs out. Messi’s representatives had been in talks with PSG about a contract extension, and things were looking well during the World Cup in Qatar. Yet, the relationship has shifted, and his departure from Paris this summer would be beneficial to all parties. PSG considers the signing of Messi as a free agent in the summer of 2021 to be a triumph on and off the pitch, but some of the club’s fans have turned against him after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich last month.
Messi and the team have not performed as well as expected following the World Cup, with the club losing seven games in all competitions in 2023, and his exit in the summer would fit in with the club’s new plan of focusing on young French players rather than signing superstar stars. In 2023, Messi has six goals in 13 games in all competitions. Although no decision on Messi’s future has been taken, the summer would be a suitable moment for Paris Saint-Germain and Lionel Messi to split ways.
Messi remains confident in his ability to play at the greatest level in Europe, and Barcelona has made no secret of their intention to re-sign him this summer. It remains to be seen whether they can afford to grant him a new deal, but at this point in his career, he is far more likely to stay in Europe than move to Inter Miami – or any other MLS club – or Saudi Arabia.
Since PSG focuses on developing domestic talent, players like Neymar may find themselves leaving the Ligue 1 club. Neymar’s contract will expire in the summer of 2025. Messi’s father, Jorge, met with PSG sports director Luis Campos in Paris in February to explore a new contract for Argentina’s captain.
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