ANOTHER Messi twist: No Barcelona, no Saudi Arabia

James Shearman

• 16 Mar 2023 20:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi's future is up in the air as his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires at the end of the season.

The Barcelona legend has been linked with a return to Camp Nou in recent weeks.

But the way in which he left two seasons ago has fractured his relationship with the club's officials.

Plus, La Blaugrana lack the financial muscle to complete a deal for one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

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Messi is also rumoured to be subject to an approach from Saudi Arabia, where he would join Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, journalist Toni Juanmarti is reporting that the 35-year-old is most likely to stay in the French capital.

There, he can earn significant wages while competing for the Champions League.

Messi at PSG

Messi completed a shock free transfer to PSG in the summer of 2021 after he was unable to sign a new contract with Barcelona.

The Argentine legend broke virtually every record during over 20 years at Camp Nou, scoring an incredible 672 goals in 778 games.

He endured a difficult first season at PSG with just six Ligue 1 goals but has been back to his best this campaign.

He has 18 goals and 17 assists in all competitions so far for PSG and he also led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

The Argentine was also crowned player of the year at the FIFA Best ceremony in Paris at the end of February.