Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lionel Messi is reportedly set to leave the French champions this summer, unless he agrees to a huge pay cut.
When he arrived at the Parc des Princes in 2021, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a two-year contract.
PSG were believed to be growing in confidence about signing Messi to a new deal in the French capital after Argentina won the World Cup in December.
However, the 35-year-old’s future old’ is now uncertain, as he was booed by his own fans during the weekend’s Ligue 1 loss to Lyon at the Parc des Princes.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has sworn to do everything in his power to keep Messi at the club, but a split could be on the cards this summer, according to L’Equipe.
During the World Cup break, Al-Khelaifi and the attacker’s father, Jorge Messi, reportedly held positive negotiations regarding a one-year contract, but nothing came of it.
The talks are still reported to be ongoing, but chances of the two parties reaching an agreement are fading, and Messi will most likely bid farewell to the French champions in a few months.
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Clubs in Saudi Arabia and MLS are reportedly trying to lure Messi away from Paris, but the striker allegedly still wants to compete in the Champions League in 2023-24.
As a result, a new short-term contract at PSG is not out of the question, although the Parisiens would require Messi to take a sizeable pay cut in order to stay.
PSG could ask Messi to cut his wage by up to 25%, which he would be hesitant to do, but a lack of concrete offers from other Champions League clubs could force his hand.
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