Paris St. Germain's superstar ensemble could shrink in the summer. Another top club is said to be courting Neymar, which Lionel Messi does not like. The Argentine world champion refuses to extend his contract. It probably also depends on the money.
Things are not going well at Paris St. Germain at the moment. The most recent 1-0 defeat against FC Bayern in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 was one of five competitive defeats this year. Now the top French club is threatened with the next setback. As the newspaper "L'Équipe" reports, Lionel Messi does not want to extend his contract, which expires in the summer, and would - as of now - leave the club free of charge.
Negotiations have been going on for a long time, coach Christophe Galtier confirmed at the beginning of January. But now the world champion has also turned down the club's latest offer after his father and advisor Jorge Messi held talks with the club's management, according to "L'Équipe". "The extension seems to be becoming more and more problematic," the report quoted an unnamed insider from the club as saying.
Paris is offering the Argentine approximately the terms of the option that had already been stated when Messi signed the contract in 2021. This had to be revised due to financial constraints - including compliance with financial fair play. A fact that doesn't please the Messi side.
The superstar, who switched from FC Barcelona to PSG a year and a half ago, is also said to be displeased that everything revolves around Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman enjoys an exceptional position, although with Messi and Neymar there are other superstars in the squad. Numerous other top stars also play for PSG. There are rumors of a possible sale surrounding Neymar, which causes a lack of understanding among Messi. The 35-year-old is said to be of the opinion that PSG must also keep the Brazilian in order to be able to achieve the big goal - finally winning the Champions League.
However, according to "Le Parisien", PSG boss Nasser al-Khelaifi recently met with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly - also to discuss a possible transfer from Neymar. Paris apparently want to get the Brazilian off the payroll - they pay him more than 36 million euros a year.
Further negotiations are expected to take place in the coming weeks. Despite Messi's recent refusals, the Paris leadership should still believe in an extension until the summer of 2024. However, a separation in the summer does not seem impossible. Where Messi would then go is unclear. In recent months there has been repeated speculation about a return to Barcelona.
However, a move to the USA is said to be the hottest at the moment. Messi is said to have signed a "preliminary contract" with Inter Miami, the club of England legend David Beckham, a few months ago. The seven-time world footballer could slowly end his legendary career in Florida, and the family already owns a house in Miami - so far for vacations. A move into the growing US football market would also be beneficial for marketing purposes.
