The future of Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain might have been sealed after the latest UEFA Champions League Round of 16 exit at the hands of Bayern Munich on Wednesday at Allianz Arena.
PSG failed to score over 90 minutes and with Messi not being much of a factor, many are calling for both parties to part ways when his contract expires in June. The 35-year-old will be traveling to Saudi Arabia this month as their tourism ambassador, but speculation over a move to the country is hitting the rumor mill.
Nonetheless, TyC Sports reported on Thursday, citing sources, that a move to Saudi Arabia is far from Messi’s plans on where he wants to continue his football career.
I am happy to welcome our Tourism Ambassador and star Lionel Messi and his family and friends this month on his second visit to Saudi to enjoy our most beautiful tourism destinations, connect with our people and enjoy unique experiences! @VisitSaudi pic.twitter.com/GCpX6JLAVu
— Ahmed Al Khateeb أحمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) March 8, 2023
The Argentine media outlet adds that Al-Hilal is the Saudi Arabian club that would like to lure Messi to play there, but it doesn’t seem that will work.
Other options for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner are an unlikely return to FC Barcelona, although club president Joan Laporta did confirm that he recently met with Messi’s father, Jorge. The other destination is MLS-side Inter Miami, which might be the best option right now.
It will be all up to Messi, but it appears the door at PSG is likely closing as many want sporting advisor Luis Campos to use the wages from the Argentine to build a well-balanced team with depth.
