Lionel Messi is expected to leave PSG at the end of the season, with the Ligue 1 leaders having suspended the forward after an unauthorized trip.
Paris Saint-Germain ultras have been filmed chanting ““Messi, hijo de p*ta” [son of a b****] outside the club’s headquarters. Ultimately, this looks like a sour end to Lionel Messi’s time in France.
The World Cup winner is on the verge of a second Ligue 1 title with Les Parisiens but has been suspended and fined by the club. This was after he took a trip to Saudi Arabia without manager Christophe Galtier’s permission. A summer exit appears all but done, though his destination still hangs in the balance.
Messi isn’t the only member of PSG’s star-studded squad who could find himself on the move in the summer. Neymar has also been linked with a move away. The Brazilian henceforth confirmed to the fans who had come to his home in France.
“They’ve just left my door,” Neymar wrote on social media in relation to the supporters. The Brazil international has not played for PSG since February when he picked up an injury in a 4-3 victory over Lille.
Neymar’s future, as well as that of France star Kylian Mbappe, is expected to come under scrutiny. It’s reported that president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is overseeing a change in approach. This is on top of the club no longer prioritising a new deal for Messi, who is out of contract this summer, with fans making their feelings known.
Les Parisiens look set to prioritise young players and French talents, rather than experienced big-name stars. This means Mbappe is not expected to leave, despite reports of Premier League interest. But 31-year-old Neymar could find himself on the move.
There will be a number of options on the table for Messi. A record-breaking deal in Saudi Arabia as well as a return to Barcelona. As such, former club Barca have also made their intentions clear, though, with vice-president Rafa Yuste laying out the club’s stance over a potential return.
“Leo and his family know the affection we have for them,” Rafa Yuste said in March. “I participated in the [contract] negotiations that in the end did not come to fruition unfortunately and I still have that thorn in my side.
“When you’re in love with a person, you lose contact but you want to continue being in love. I think Leo is also in love with Barca and the city of Barcelona. I think fate will make it possible. Let’s see if we can have Leo back in Barcelona.”