May 4 – Lionel Messi’s time at Paris St-Germain is over following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia for which he was fined and suspended for two weeks.
L’Equipe reports PSG will not renew Messi’s contract at the end of the season, a move likely to spark a rush of suitors for the Argentine superstar even at the age of 35.
Barcelona are trying to re-sign Messi while Major League Soccer club Inter Miami are also reported to be interested
Saudi Arabia, where rival Cristiano Ronaldo is playing, seems a realistic option with Messi reportedly already offered an eye-watering £350 million a year from Al-Hilal.
Messi was suspended for making what PSG said was an unauthorised two-day visit to Saudi this week to carry out commercial work in his role as a tourism ambassador for the Arab kingdom. It is understood that he had asked permission to travel, but the club refused his request. As a result he will not train with the team or be paid for a fortnight.
Messi joined PSG in 2021 on a two- year contract that included an option for a third season, but that will not be activated.
PSG fans angered
Messi’s departure does not look like it will be unpopular with fans who protested outside PSG’s headquarters yesterday and set off smoke flares. Fans chanted about Messi, Neymar and Italian midfielder Marco Verratti, demanding that they leave the clubs.
About 700 fans then reportedly marched on Neymar’s home to deliver the same message.
PSG as a result said they have increased security at the homes of Messi, Neymar, Verratti and manager Christophe Galtier, as well as at the club’s training ground.
A club said statement said: “Paris St-Germain condemns in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable and insulting actions. Whatever the differences of opinion, nothing justifies such behaviour.”
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