What is Lionel Messi’s transfer value?
Robin Bairner
- 10 Mar 2022 13:10 GMT
- 3 min read
Lionel Messi completed a free transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain last August in one of the most sensational moves of the summer window.
Though a prolific scorer throughout his time in Spain, Messi is on track to record his worst season ever in terms of goals. He only has two in Ligue 1, although he did net five in the Champions League.
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His aspirations of winning the European Cup with PSG, though, were ended on Wednesday as the French side suffered a dramatic meltdown and were defeated 3-1 away to Real Madrid. It meant they were eliminated 3-2 on aggregate, with fingers pointed at Messi, among others, for not producing enough quality.
It has been a recurring theme this season, and there is even a suggestion that PSG should think about cutting the Argentine free, given his lack of production. Barcelona have been linked with a move by some outlets.
But how much could PSG expect to recoup for a player who will turn 35 in June?
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FootballTransfers puts Messi’s value at around the €43 million mark.
This figure is calculated by looking at hundreds of in-game data points, as well as external factors, such as length of contract and player’s age. Certainly, one of the major reasons why Messi’s value is so comparatively low is because he is well into his 30s.
It is notable just how much his value has decreased since moving to PSG. Shortly after arriving at the club, he was estimated to be worth €57m, and already he has lost 25% of that value due to his mediocre performances with the Ligue 1 side.
Even compared to team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, his value is small. Mbappe, for example, is worth €141m while Neymar is on the €84m mark. Both of these players benefit from being far younger than the Argentine.
Whether PSG can justify retaining Messi remains to be seen, but €43m to strengthen a side that apparently needs rebuilt may not be bad money at all.
