Lionel Messi to leave PSG? Argentina legend makes transfer decision after alleged interest from Barcelona, ​​​​MLS and Saudi Arabia

Lionel Messi is now reportedly seriously considering leaving French club Paris Saint Germain. He is currently opting for a move back to his long-time club Barcelona.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato (via PSG Talk), Messi has decided to leave PSG this summer. Messi and his family have reportedly decided to leave the French city and are unlikely to change their minds. It is believed that her favorite club is Barcelona and the player himself decided that after Barcelona contacted him.

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

— Management of Barca (@ManagingBarca) April 4, 2023

Why does Lionel Messi leave PSG and how do Barcelona plan his return?

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

Due to financial fair play issues, PSG are demanding Messi accept a 25% pay cut on his hugely lucrative £25.6million-a-year deal. Both Messi and his agent and father Jorge Messi have turned down this offer. Messi is also said to want reassurances about the manager and the players the club are looking for this summer as PSG are unable to allay his reservations. All this suggests that Messi will leave the French club.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are believed to be considering creative ways to facilitate his return. They are reportedly considering giving Messi part of their sponsorship money, profits from shirt sales and earnings from home game ticket sales.

Barcelona are reportedly being pressured to bring the La Masia graduate back to the Camp Nou as fans are excited for the world champions’ return. Barca, on the other hand, have to abide by the rules of financial fair play, which means a lot of restructuring is needed to bring Messi into the equation. They are rumored to be ready to directly offer a deal to Messi’s camp in the following days.

If they fail to do so, Lionel Messi will consider other options. The superstar is expected to consider proposals from Major League Soccer and Saudi Arabia. According to famous journalist Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have made an offer of €400m a year to Messi’s camp. If he agrees, he will become the highest paid athlete in history.

Messi is also in high demand at MLS side Inter Miami. The club is co-owned by former prominent footballer David Beckham.

🚨 Understand that Al Hilal has sent an official offer to Leo Messi: salary worth more than 400 million euros/year.

◉ Leo’s absolute priority: Continue in Europe.

◉ Barcelona are waiting for FFP to send offers and open talks.

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

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 4, 2023

In order to get Messi, they have to make him a very attractive financial offer. MLS rules are flexible and while a hefty salary isn’t enough, the club could instead include real estate around the club’s brand new stadium and plenty of sponsorship deals.

So Barcelona have to be quick to catch Messi. There are other clubs who are willing to do anything to get the Argentine.