Argentine star forward Lionel Messi will leave League 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. According to multiple reports, PSG and Messi concluded that it is best for both sides to part ways once the player’s contract expires in the summer.
The news comes after Messi was suspended by the club earlier this week. The 35-year-old player reportedly missed a training session to visit Saudi Arabia as part of his role as the country’s ambassador. This didn’t sit well with the club’s brass, and the decision was made to hand the player a two-week suspension without pay.
Apparently, this brought an already strained relationship between Messi and the club to a breaking point. The two sides were previously engaged in contract negotiations, but the talks broke down after PSG asked the player to take a pay cut.
Messi has been exceptional for PSG in Ligue 1 this season, contributing 15 goals and 15 assists in 28 matches. But he disappointed in UEFA Champions League, with his poor performances in the Round of 16 loss to Bayern Munich being particularly criticized.
According to sources close to Messi, his preference is to continue playing in Europe with a return to Barcelona being on the table. However, this is also the most difficult option as La Liga club finds itself in a tough financial situation and would likely struggle to meet its financial demands.
Messi has reportedly already been contacted by Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal and was offered a contract worth more than $400 million per year. MLS side Inter Miami is also believed to have a strong interest in the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
