Messi in private jet controversy as PSG launch bid to keep ex-Barca star
FT Desk
- 30 Sept 2022 11:58 BST
- 3 min read
PSG are working hard to keep Lionel Messi in Paris, but he hasn't gone down well with the French public lately with l'Equipe reporting that his carbon footprint in three months is the same as the average person in 150 years.
Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer from Barcelona last summer with the Blaugrana €1.35 billion in debt at the time and unable to offer him new terms.
After a difficult first season in France, Messi looks more settled, though and has contributed six goals and eight assists from 11 games in all competitions so far.
Lionel Messi being slammed in France after using his private jet 52 times in three months this summer.
L'Equipe reports the carbon emissions over that time were the same as the average French citizen over 150 years. pic.twitter.com/KmZBGmZUxN— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) September 30, 2022
"This year is different," he explained recently. "I arrived with a different mindset, feeling more comfortable with the club, the dressing room, my teammates and the game.
"The truth is that I feel very good. I'm back to enjoying [football]."
But Messi nonetheless appears to have itchy feet, with l'Equipe reporting that he used his private jet 52 times in three months this summer - his carbon emissions in that time the same as the average French citizen over 150 years.
Barca and PSG set to battle
Barcelona have confirmed their desire to re-sign Messi, with coach Xavi recently reiterating his belief that his former teammate is the best player in the club's history.
None of the above excluded PSG from tying one of their star player down, however. According to Spanish radio network Cadena SER, Paris have proposed a one-year extension on Messi's deal, with the option of a second in 2024.
Related articles
The terms on his contract would be the same - €30m per year - and PSG are understood to be willing to give Messi until after the winter World Cup in Qatar to decide.
Barcelona may now have the budget to offer Messi a deal, but they are unlikely to be able to match the French champions' salary offer.
