The Ligue 1 club is reportedly reluctant to renew the Argentine’s contract after this season, so Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain appear destined to part ways at the end of the campaign.
Messi signed a two-year contract with PSG in 2021 when he transferred from Barcelona, but his time in Paris has fallen short of expectations after two consecutive losses in the UEFA Champions League.
Sportskeeda reports that PSG believes Messi’s attack-partnership with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar has harmed the team’s balance, and the club is now looking for a change.
The Parisians are said to want to build a project centred on Mbappe, whose contract expires in June 2024, because he is their most consistent performer.
Messi is currently the only member of the trio who can make way this summer, as Neymar is keen to remain with the club at least until June 2025 when his PSG contract expires.
‘Messi should stay at PSG’
Meanwhile, Messi has been advised by Argentina legend, Mario Kempes to remain at PSG to boost his chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup, Goal reports.
Kempes believes remaining in France would leave the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner better prepared to help Argentina defend their title at the next tournament. Messi’s current contract with PSG is set to expire at the end of the season and the Argentine is yet to pen a new deal with the Parisians, despite an offer reportedly being placed on the table by the Ligue 1 giants.
Messi wants European stay extended
In related coverage, Sports Brief reported on Messi being keen to remain in Europe next season as he chases another Ballon d’Or title.
The veteran Argentine has won the prestigious award a record seven times and is looking to extend that record with another win.
The Paris Saint-Germain star is one of the favourites to win the award given his success with his country at the 2022 World Cup.