Paris Saint-Germain will not be extending Lionel Messi’s contract beyond this season, effectively ending his stint with the club.
Messi, who joined PSG in 2021 on a two-year deal, made 71 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals, recording 34 assists, and winning the Ligue 1 title in 2022. His departure raises questions about his future, with potential suitors lining up for the Argentine forward.
Meanwhile, PSG has condemned the actions of fans who were filmed chanting outside the club’s headquarters for the board to resign and visiting the home of Neymar to demand his exit.
The club has been facing criticism from fans for underwhelming performances in recent matches, and the incidents further highlight the tensions between supporters and the club’s management. The developments have raised concerns about the club’s ability to retain star players and attract new talents in the future.
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Discussions between Messi’s representatives and PSG for a contract extension appeared optimistic during the World Cup in Qatar, but the situation has altered. While PSG regards the signing of Messi as successful both on and off the pitch, a portion of the club’s fans has turned against him following their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich. Furthermore, Messi was suspended by the club for travelling to Saudi Arabia on a personal promotional trip without prior authorization.
Despite the positive start to contract renewal discussions, the current circumstances suggest that negotiations might be more challenging. PSG fans’ negative reaction to Messi, coupled with his recent suspension, has altered the dynamics and could impact future discussions.