Messi's ‘SCANDALOUS’ PSG demand provokes outrage in France

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 27 Apr 2023 07:55 BST
• 4 min read

Lionel Messi’s future continues to tend towards a return to Barcelona, with the Argentina attacker out of contract at PSG at the end of the season and is, therefore, heading to become a free agent at the end of June.

Messi has not spoken out on his plans, with a stay at PSG not entirely discounted. However, his preference is a transfer back to Camp Nou, where he has earned iconic status as he tops the storied club’s list for appearances, goals and assists.

The attacker is, however, stalling for time as he waits to see if Barcelona can raise the required funds to beat Financial Fair Play (FFP) and welcome him back to the club. According to reports, he wants a decision by the end of the season.

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PSG, though, are less than impressed by the attitude of Messi’s representatives led by father Jorge.

Le Parisien reports that Messi wants to increase his salary from the €37 million gross that he presently receives. PSG, meanwhile, are offering the player a contract of identical worth to the deal he signed in 2021, not wishing to insult the player by decreasing his pay packet.

Such demands on Messi’s part have been fuelled by a €400m per year salary that has been offered to him by Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo is presently playing with Al-Nassr to some mixed results.

MORE: Barcelona happy to lose €30 million on transfer flop

Messi request leaves French fuming

His preference, though is to remain in Europe, with L’Equipe reporting via Messi biographer Florent Torchut that the player’s goal is to sign a new deal with the Parc des Princes club, suggesting that the latest developments could simply be a negotiating ploy. Nevertheless, Barcelona’s interest is not denied.

Messi’s stance has left the French media furious at the demands of a player they feel has not entirely committed himself to the PSG cause at 35.

FootMercato describes the player’s request as a “scandalous demand” give that PSG themselves are seeking to trim their squad for the 2023/24 season by selling players and trimming down their wage bill.

Messi has 20 goals and 19 assists in 36 appearances for PSG this season, showing that he remains a player at the peak of his powers, despite his advancing age.