Lionel Messi is “missed by football” because at Paris Saint-Germain he does not have the same audience as at Barcelona, according to LaLiga president Javier Tebas.
Messi left Barca in 2020 after the club’s financial issues led to a significantly reduced salary limit in LaLiga, thus preventing them re-signing him after his contract expired.
He moved to PSG and, after a somewhat underwhelming first season on an individual level, Messi is thriving again this season.
But Tebas’ perception is Messi is wasted in Ligue 1 because it does not have the same global audience as LaLiga and Barcelona.
Speaking at the Sports Summits organised by Argentinian newspaper Ole, Tebas said: “I think Messi is not only missed in LaLiga, he is missed by football because the French league is what it is, right?
“I think that no matter how many [superstars] are at PSG, Messi is followed much less than when he was at Barcelona. Let’s hope he has a great World Cup, because there we will all be able to see him again.
“I don’t see all the fans watching PSG against Nantes, I don’t see it. With Barca it’s the opposite.”
Messi’s future has become a hot topic again in recent weeks, with speculation beginning to swirl regarding his next destination.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami, PSG want to renew his contract, and Barcelona are reportedly aiming to bring him back to Camp Nou.
Tebas could not offer any insight, but he was unequivocal in what he thinks Messi should do.
“I don’t know if Messi will have one last show at Barca, that will depend on him,” he continued.
“Hopefully he will come back. Above all it would also be good for him to return to Spanish football, especially to the team that has always been the team that birthed him.
Source: Livescore