There have been persistent rumors about Lionel Messi potentially leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after his two-year contract ends this summer.
However, on Wednesday morning, PSG released a video showcasing their new kit for the upcoming 2023/24 season, and Messi was prominently featured in the promotional material.
🆕🏟️👕
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 31, 2023
Presenting our new 23/24 season 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐣𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲 @nikefootball 🟥🟦
A shirt that honours the design of a classic Parisian kit and embodies the unique spirit of the French capital ✨#𝐼𝐶𝐼𝐶𝐸𝑆𝑇𝑃𝐴𝑅𝐼𝑆 pic.twitter.com/nQURugA94J
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s two-year contract with the French giants expires this summer.
According to a report by Goal, Messi currently poised to depart the Ligue 1 club on a free transfer after he was punished for taking a private trip to Saudi Arabia without his manager’s approval.
The Argentine maestro left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 amid the club’s financial difficulties, signing a two-year contract with PSG.
The 35-year-old has made 74 appearances for the French team, contributing to 32 goals and 34 assists while also winning the Ligue 1 in both of his seasons there.
Which club could Messi join?
Throughout the World Cup in Qatar, Messi’s advisors were reportedly in negotiations to extend his contract, but the situation has since altered.
PSG saw the signing of the veteran as a triumph on and off the pitch, but some of the club’s supporters turned against the star after they were eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
According to a reports by Marca, Barcelona have made explicit their intention to re-sign Messi this summer, and he remains convinced he can still compete at the best level in Europe.
However, it is unclear just how the Catalans will afford to bring him back to Camp Nou, with La Liga said to be skeptical about their current plans and how they will align with FFP regulations.
Messi has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and the MLS in America.
PSG wins 11th Ligue1 title
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that PSG clinched a record 11th title in Ligue 1 as Lionel Messi scored in a 1-1 draw away at Strasbourg.
His opener was cancelled out by a Kevin Gameiro equaliser, yet the result gave the Parisians an unassailable lead over Lens in second.
PSG moved ahead of the previous record of 10 titles set by Saint-Etienne in 1981, which they equalled under Mauricio Pochettino.
Messi has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and the MLS in America.