As his contract with Paris Saint-Germain is about to expire, Lionel Messi’s future is still in question. It is unclear what will happen to him after his two-year contract with the French champions expires this summer. Lionel Messi has apparently received offers from the MLS and Saudi Arabia, in addition to several reports linking him to a return to Barcelona. PSG has also put up an extension offer, but the Argentine has not yet made a choice.
After receiving a €10 million fine for their 2020/21 season accounts with a €45 million suspended fine for future violations, PSG are currently working to significantly cut expenses and adhere to financial requirements by restructuring their team. In addition to outlining PSG’s compensation budget in great detail, L’Equipe also noted that negotiations with Lionel Messi as well as Sergio Ramos are currently in a dangerous position.
Journalist reveals Lionel Messi’s preferred next destination
As a result of being hit with a fine, PSG are worried they may face new Champions League restrictions. With a tame three-goal loss to Bayern Munich on aggregate earlier this month, the French giants were eliminated from the competition. The club needs to reevaluate their pay structure to prevent more FFP sanctions, which would be both financial and athletic in nature.
L’Equipe further added, Lionel Messi would have to agree to a pay cut if he were to stay at the Parc des Princes beyond the current season, which presents a dilemma since the superstar is reportedly not ready to accept that possibility. Messi allegedly has a proposal from Saudi club Al-Hilal that would make him the highest-paid player in the world, further complicating an already perilous situation.
However, TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul has dropped a latest update on the Argentine’s future, claiming he is waiting for an offer from his former club Barcelona. The Catalans have been trying hard to repair their damaged relationship with Messi since he was forced to leave the club in the summer of 2021. Edul now reveals:
“Time is playing against PSG and if Messi was 100% convinced, he would have already signed the extension with PSG, who are already on the table. He is not going to reject PSG, but he is waiting for Barcelona.
“We have to see if Barcelona can register his contract, which is not easy. PSG will make him a new proposal at another meeting. Messi has an option in MLS, but he wants to continue in Europe and is not considering this option at the moment.”
Reliable journalist Gerard Romero has claimed that Lionel Messi is willing to accept a pay cut in order to return to Barcelona. The Blaugrana are attempting to entice him back to the Camp Nou since his contract extension status is still unresolved in Paris. Due to the dire financial circumstances of the Camp Nou club, Messi too is willing to accept a pay cut to assist the transfer get approved.
On the other hand, there is a feeling across the PSG board that due to the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Messi’s absence, should he be allowed to leave in the summer, would be less impactful. Furthermore, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s departure could help PSG cement their midfield and make it more compact. However, his attacking output, given his contribution of 18 goals and 17 assists in 32 games this season, and commercial worth are still regarded as irreplaceable.