- 8 hours ago
CONFIRMED: Why Messi is leaving PSG
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.
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.
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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.
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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.