The marriage between Lionel Messi and Paris Saint Germain is finally coming to an end. Since the World Cup 2022, there were reports of a verbal agreement between PSG and Messi. However, after the Champions League exit and the recent treatment meted out to him by the PSG fans, Messi seems to have made up his mind.
The French newspaper L’Equipe recently reported that Lionel Messi’s exit from PSG seems inevitable when his contract runs out at the end of this season. The reports further indicated that not just Messi but also PSG seems to be content with this decision. Despite being a financial powerhouse, PSG is looking to streamline its expenses on players. PSG, which is worth $3.2 billion, is also facing issues with Financial Fair Play.
❗️PSG want Messi to take a 25% pay cut from his salary. A new meeting between the club and Jorge Messi is still scheduled for later this month to find a solution. Messi doesn’t want to reduce his wages and was upset after his name was jeered by some PSG fans. @LaurensJulien 🇫🇷
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) April 4, 2023
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had previously stated that the club “no longer wanted flashy, bling-bling.” The only way PSG and Messi could agree to a deal will be if he accepts a 25% pay cut in his salary. However, Messi’s entourage is still waiting to be convinced by PSG’s sporting project for the upcoming season.
Therefore, all signs indicate that Lionel Messi’s days at the Parisian club are coming to an end. As per reports, Messi is seeking a return to his former club, FC Barcelona. Barca’s manager Xavi as well as vice-president Rafa Yuste has confirmed that the Spanish club is working on a deal to bring back Messi to the club. However, no statements have been made from Messi’s camp.
France legend bashes PSG for mistreating Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has been subjected to some harsh criticism from PSG fans. After PSG’s humiliating loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Messi has been scapegoated for the defeat. The World Cup 2022 winner has been whistled and booed by PSG fans during the club’s recent matches at the Parc des Princes. However, this has been heavily criticized by French soccer legend, Emmanuel Petit.
🚨 Emmanuel Petit (French legend): “When I see the whistles against Messi, it’s an insult to football. If I have any advice for Messi: get out of this club! PSG is not a football club!” @RMCsport 🗣️🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/MlNgQjTo2J
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) April 3, 2023
Petit, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, came to the support of Messi. He said, “France legend bashes PSG for mistreating Lionel Messi.” Petit further bashed PSG, saying “It’s not a football club, but a pre-retirement club, even if you’re 20 years old. No player has ever progressed at PSG, that’s not It’s Messi’s fault.” Another French legend, Thierry Henry, also spoke out against the PSG fans’ behavior.
Henry, who was Messi’s teammate at Barcelona, said “It’s embarrassing to hear whistles from the Parc. You can’t whistle one of the best players on the team, who has 13 goals and 13 assists this season.” Henry also vouched for Messi’s return to his former club. He said, “Personally, I would like to see him finish his career in Barcelona, in Europe. For the love of football, he should go back to Barcelona.”
Even PSG coach Christophe Galtier stated that the fans’ response was “harsh.” Lionel Messi’s poor relationship with the PSG supporters has played a big role in his alleged decision to leave the club. The former Barcelona star has been frequently accused of not greeting the PSG Ultras after the games. However, this is understandable since Messi was even whistled by the fans after last season’s Champions League exit.