According to a source close to Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi will likely leave the club at the end of the season than sign a new contract.
“The dynamics have completely changed with PSG less pushing to renew (his contract),” the source said, adding that there was “no deal, no exit yet. But exit is much more likely.”
Messi, who will turn 36 in June, signed a two-year deal with PSG in 2021, ending after this season. Some PSG supporters booed the Argentine’s name on Sunday during the team’s announcement before their 1-0 home defeat against Lyon.
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The team’s malaise has decreased the likelihood of Messi’s contract being renewed. According to the source, this started after the team’s elimination from the Champions League.
“The fans have changed things completely,” the source said of the chances of Messi’s deal being renewed.
In his 67 appearances for PSG in all competitions, Messi has scored 29 goals and assisted 32.
Barcelona have openly expressed their interest in Messi, hoping to persuade the Argentine to return to Camp Nou. He left the club when it could not afford to renew his contract.
“I would love it if he returned,” Barca vice-president Rafael Yuste said last week as he admitted there had been “contact” with Messi.
Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami has also been linked as a possible destination for the superstar.
