Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona after 17 seasons left the city shaken in the summer of 2021. But the fans of PSG in the French capital erupted in cheers, as the arrival of the Argentine superstar raised hopes of Champions League glory.
Messi is approaching the end of his contract in Paris and the elusive Champions League trophy is still out of the Ligue 1 powerhouse’s reach, forcing the hierarchy to rethink their approach.
The attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe generated a lot of hype but made little difference on the pitch. Real Madrid veterans Karim Benzema and Luka Modric stamped Los Blancos’ authority at Santiago Bernabéu and sent PSG packing from last season’s Champions League. A second successive last-16 exit followed after the French giants failed to breach Bayern Munich’s defence this season.
Now, PSG are embarking on a new strategy which could spell the end of Messi’s time in France.
PSG are ready to let Barcelona transfer target Lionel Messi leave
According to the Mirror, the French outfit are in no rush to extend his stay despite only two months remaining on his contract.
It is understood club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi aims to make PSG a more financially sustainable project focused on recruiting young French talents.
In recent seasons, the exit of several exciting talents has coincided with the arrival of marquee names at the Parc des Princes. Kingsley Coman, the club’s academy graduate, ended their Champions League hopes in 2020 with a winning goal for Bayern in the final. He was also on the scoresheet in this season’s first-leg meeting.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are hopeful of bringing back their academy jewel and club legend this summer. No official approach has yet been made, but the Rosario-born magician and his camp are aware of the interest from the La Liga leaders.
Messi will be a free agent at the end of the season but will have to wait for Barcelona to get their financial affairs in order before committing to returning to Camp Nou. Barca’s economic situation is the reason why he left his second home in the first place.