Paris Saint-Germain could be saying goodbye to the Lionel Messi era after two seasons. The 35-year-old’s contract expires in June and with the toxic environment surrounding the club, it would be ideal for both sides to part ways.
L’Equipe reported on Monday that PSG and Messi appear to be heading toward a divorce. The French media outlet notes that both parties are not trending toward an extension.
The Ligue 1 giants don’t appear ready to do anything to keep the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner. However, it doesn’t mean there’s no possibility for an extension to be reached, but it will come on the capital club’s terms.
PSG reportedly wants Messi to lower his salary demands and as of now, the Argentine doesn’t appear keen on taking a pay cut to remain in Paris. Neither side seems to be moving toward the other to continue this relationship.
Messi was booed before the contest against Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday at the Parc des Princes, which led to former players such as Emmanuel Petit defending the veteran goal scorer.
“When I hear that, for me, it’s an insult to football,” Petit said on RMC Sport. “I know that today there is only a pack of dogs who only think of drooling on Neymar and Messi … If I have any advice for Messi: Get out of this club! This club is not a football club. It’s a pre-retirement club, even for 20-year-old players. No player has progressed since joining PSG. Is it Messi’s fault? He’s a maestro with a stick; it’s up to him to have players around him who make the effort.
“The Verratti etc … who always ask for the ball at their feet and never make a call. Galtier is right when he says that it is up to others to do this supersession. Only Parisian supporters don’t realize that you need to have a squad around Messi, something they don’t have and won’t have because they (the leaders) are bogus in their recruitment.”
Divorce seems inevitable and would be the ideal outcome with Messi possibly returning to FC Barcelona if the Spanish club can make the finances work.
