Lionel Messi is set to leave PSG at the end of his current contract this summer despite having previously reached an “agreement in principle” to extend his stay with the French club.
Both the player and the club have now decided not to sign the deal.
Messi reportedly has concerns about PSG’s ability to compete at the highest level of European football due to financial issues, while the club’s management is said to be keen on prioritising the development of young talent.
The 35-year-old forward signed a two-year deal with PSG in 2021, which included an option to renew for another year. However, it is now clear that this option will not be activated.
Sources close to the player have stated that Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, informed PSG’s football advisor Luis Campos of the decision a few weeks ago.
Messi is said to believe that PSG’s budget for next season may be restricted in order to comply with Financial Fair Play rules, which he feels could put the quality of their squad at risk.
Messi’s recent reluctance to commit to a new deal has reportedly frustrated PSG’s Qatari owners, who had believed that the footballer’s lack of response was an indication that he wanted to stay.
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However, on Tuesday, Messi was suspended by the club for two weeks after travelling to Saudi Arabia without permission.
Despite speculation that Messi could return to his former club, Barcelona, or move to Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, reports suggest that a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, believed to be around £354m for a one-year contract, could be a serious contender for his next move.