CONFIRMED: Why Messi is leaving PSG

Tom Hancock

Updated: 3 May 2023 18:40 BST
3 min read

PSG are set to release Lionel Messi at the end of his contract — © ProShots

Lionel Messi will leave PSG when his contract expires this summer, it has been confirmed, despite having previously reached an ‘agreement in principle’ to stay with the Ligue 1 giants for another year.

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Confirmation of Messi’s imminent departure from the Parc des Princes comes after he was hit with a two-week ban by PSG for travelling to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or recipient is said to be concerned that PSG will slash their budget next season in order to meet financial fair play (FFP) regulations – which could see the quality of their squad reduced.

According to BBC Sport, Messi lacks faith in PSG’s ability to compete for top honours – 12 years on from their big-money takeover by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), Les Parisiens have still yet to win the Champions League – and the club also want to prioritise developing young talent.

Messi – who turns 36 in June – is set to become a free agent on July 1, having spent the last two seasons in Paris.

Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning captain has been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona – who had to offload their star man as their financial struggles left them unable to afford to renew his deal.

© ProShots - Messi has scored 31 goals for PSG

A Barcelona homecoming on the cards?

Indeed, Barca boss Xavi confirmed only days ago that the club have held discussions with LaLiga about potentially re-signing Messi.

If they are to do so, the Catalan giants are likely to have to free up significant funds for Messi’s salary – which is thought to be over €700,000 a week at PSG.

Inter Miami – the MLS outfit part-owned by David Beckham – and Saudi Arabia have also been touted as possible landing spots for the three-time Champions League winner.