Lionel Messi is whistled… This is actually a reality at PSG. But maybe not for long. Chances of his expiring contract being extended at the end of June are dwindling. Messi offended in Paris and wants to return to Barcelona, the Catalan people want their god back. Thierry Henry and Emmanuel Petit support the Flea: “Messi’s whistle is an insult to football, he needs to get out of there!”
L’Equipe reports that the Argentinian superstar and reigning world champion is tired of the boos and therefore does not want to stay in Paris any longer. Messi’s contract expires at the end of this season and there has been no significant progress regarding an extension. PSG are also looking to cut the striker’s wages by a quarter, which would completely destroy any chance of a deal.
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However, at the end of 2022 there is still good hope for an extension of Messi’s stay. According to L’Equipe, Jorge Messi – father and manager – and PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi had an oral agreement at the time for a new contract of at least one year. But now that the atmosphere in Paris has completely changed, the Argentinian will hesitate and demand certain ‘guarantee’ from PSG.
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Back to the old nest
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona is aiming to return. According to vice-president Rafa Yuste, the club is in contact with Messi regarding the 35-year-old world champion’s return to the Nou Camp. “A beautiful life story deserves a beautiful ending,” Yuste told Spanish media on Friday, before admitting there was talk. “Of course we are in touch with Messi.”
After an underwhelming first season, Messi has performed at a high level in Paris this term, but there has been a lack on a sporting level. For example, PSG were knocked out early in the Champions League a few weeks ago. This time Bayern proved too strong.
Now that things are running smoothly in Paris, Messi’s chances of returning to Barcelona are greater than ever. Mainly because the Messi family miss life in the city and because the Blaugrana want to do everything they can to bring back their legend. Only financial problems at Barcelona can stop a return, although the club is doing everything possible to get Messi back. For example, according to Footmercato, Messi will receive a share of profits from shirt sales and ticket sales as well as a portion of the revenue from club sponsorship deals.
But then Messi has a plan B: his hometown club Newell’s Old Boys from Rosario, teams from Major League Soccer and even Saudi Al-Hilal have been mentioned.
French icon support
That Lionel Messi is whistled is a shame, French football icons Thierry Henry and Emmanuel Petit also share the opinion. “What a shame to hear a flute concert at Prinsenpark,” said Henry in Prime France. “Shistling to your best player who has scored 13 goals and many assists this season, that is simply impossible! For the love of football: Messi must return to Barcelona.”
Emmanuel Petit joins Henry, commenting on RMC Sport. “When I hear the whistles against Messi all I can say is that it is an insult to football. My advice to him: get out of there, PSG is not a football club!”
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