Is Lionel Messi Leaving PSG? Argentina legend makes transfer decision after rumored interest from Barcelona, MLS and Saudi Arabia

Lionel Messi is reportedly now seriously considering leaving from French club Paris Saint Germain. He is currently deciding a move back to his longtime club Barcelona.

Messi has decided to quit PSG this summer, according to French outlet Foot Mercato (via PSG Talk). According to reports, Messi and his family have decided to leave the French city and are unlikely to change their views. Their preferred club is thought to be Barcelona and the player himself decided it after Barcelona contacted him. 

🚨🚨✅| CONFIRMED: Leo Messi & his family have DECIDED to LEAVE Paris Saint-Germain! Nothing will stop them now!@Santi_J_FM @sebnonda [🎖️] pic.twitter.com/h4ZZyjqhOO

— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) April 4, 2023

Why is Lionel Messi leaving PSG and how is Barcelona planning his return?

Lionel Messi is yet to sign a contract extension with his current club Paris Saint Germain. His previous contract expires this summer. Messi and his camp did have a verbal agreement to continue in Paris but the Argentine had a change of heart after winning the World Cup last year.

Due to Financial Fair Play issues, PSG requires Messi to accept a 25% salary cut on his extremely lucrative £25.6 million-a-year deal. Both Messi and his agent and father Jorge Messi have rejected this offer. Messi is also said to want assurances on the manager and players sought by the club this summer, with PSG unable to placate his reservations. All of this indicates that Messi will leave the French club.

Meanwhile, Barcelona is believed to be contemplating creative ways to facilitate his return. They’re reportedly thinking about handing Messi a cut of their sponsorship money, profit from jersey sales, and revenue from home game ticket sales.

Barcelona is reportedly being pressured to bring the La Masia graduate back to Camp Nou, as supporters are anxious to see the world champion’s return. Barca, on the other hand, must follow financial fair play regulations, which means a lot of restructuring is required to fit Messi into the equation. They are rumored to be ready to offer a deal directly to Messi’s camp in the following days.

If they neglect to do so, Lionel Messi will consider other options. The superstar is expected to evaluate proposals from Major League Soccer and Saudi Arabia. According to famous journalist Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has sent Messi’s camp a €400 million/year offer. If he agrees, he will be the highest-paid sportsman in history.

Messi is also being highly sought after by MLS side Inter Miami. The club is co-owned by former celebrity footballer David Beckham.

🚨 Understand Al Hilal sent an official bid to Leo Messi: salary worth more than €400m/year.

◉ Leo’s absolute priority: continue in Europe.

◉ Barcelona, waiting on FFP to send bid and open talks.

◉ PSG bid, not accepted at this stage as Messi wanted sporting guarantees. pic.twitter.com/FVTDGs4eQV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 4, 2023

To bring Messi, they will have to make a very attractive financial offer to him. MLS rules are flexible and while a big salary won’t be sufficient instead the club could include real estate around the club’s brand-new stadium and many sponsorship deals. 

So Barcelona has to be quick to snatch Messi. As there are other clubs that are willing to do everything to get the Argentine.