Lionel Messi is now increasingly likely to leave PSG at the end of the season, as per Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol. The Argentine forward’s contract with the Ligue 1 club is set to expire in June, after which he’ll become a free agent if unable to sign a contract extension.
Lionel Messi Likely to Leave PSG in Summer
Lionel Messi increasingly likely to leave PSG this summer. Messi’s representatives have been in talks about a contract renewal and everything was looking positive during the World Cup but dynamic has now changed and his departure this summer would suit all parties
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) April 4, 2023
Messi Changes His Mind Over PSG Future After World Cup
Messi achieved the one major achievement that eluded him all throughout his career by winning the World Cup title with Argentina in December. Solhekol adds that his representatives have been holding talks with the French club over a possible contract extension since the competition was still taking place.
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However, it’s further stated that the ‘dynamic has now changed’ – with the 35-year-old looking to exit the club in the summer. This could be after the former Barcelona man became a victim of a lot of criticism from the PSG fans following their exit from the Champions League. Some supporters even booed him during a recent Ligue 1 clash against Lyon.
This could’ve tipped him to the point of wanting to leave the team and seek a new experience in his career. Solhekol also adds that at this point, the general feeling is that Messi’s departure would actually suit all parties.
Barcelona Seeking Ambitious Return for Messi
One of the clubs who might be pleased with the prospect of the Argentine forward leaving PSG at the end of the season is Barcelona. He had a teary, unfortunate exit from his childhood club in 2021 and there has been a feeling that his story at Camp Nou isn’t over yet.
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As a matter of fact, Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste recently even confirmed that the club are in talks with Messi’s representatives and are trying to convince him to return to Spain next season. Messi had an iconic first stint at Barcelona, making 778 appearances for them in which he scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists. The 35-year-old, who was hailed as ‘staggering’ by England legend Gary Linekar for his performances at the World Cup, has made 33 appearances for PSG this season – scoring 18 goals and providing 17 assists.
