Renewing Lionel Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain is proving to be a challenging and ongoing process, as the situation has evolved since before the World Cup, with the player’s value and demands increasing after his championship win with Argentina. As of January, a new agreement is neither imminent nor guaranteed.
The initial discussion between Jorge Messi, who serves as both Leo Messi’s father and manager, and PSG’s leadership team, led by Luis Campos, was not conclusive. However, both parties have scheduled future meetings and are continuing their dialogue, with additional discussions planned in the near future.
PSG’s recent elimination from the Champions League round of 16 against Bayern Munich and from the Cup against Marseille has not accelerated the decision-making process regarding Messi’s contract renewal. However, it has reinforced the player and his team’s determination to thoroughly evaluate potential destinations when his current PSG contract expires on June 30.
Sources in Paris suggest that the renewal of Messi’s contract with PSG for one or two years hinges primarily on the club’s proposed project. While rumors of interest from Saudi Arabia persist, Jorge Messi’s recent trip to Riyadh was reportedly only to discuss matters related to nursery schools with the Ministry of Sports, indicating that there are no plans to move to Saudi Arabia at present. However, the situation may change in the future.
What can PSG offer Lionel Messi?
The nature of PSG’s proposed project for Messi remains unclear at this time. However, the presence of Neymar on the team, who is currently injured, is uncertain due to the club’s desire to offload him, as his salary is reportedly a challenge. Additionally, Kylian Mbappé, another key player, has an uncertain future with his contract set to expire. While PSG views Mbappé as a cornerstone of the team, his departure would have significant implications.
The question of who will serve as the beacon for PSG’s project remains unanswered, and the team’s future direction is uncertain. The fate of manager Christophe Galtier is also in question, as recent results against Bayern have cast doubt on his tenure, even if the team wins the Ligue 1. Messi is reportedly hesitant due to the team’s apparent lack of clarity in terms of signings, as they aim to strengthen positions such as center-back, striker, wing, and central midfield, but have yet to solidify their plans.
UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations present another obstacle for PSG’s contract negotiations with Messi. The French club has been warned that it must reduce its budget for the 2023-2024 season. While PSG maintains that they have the funds to meet Messi’s salary demands, the exact amount and conditions remain unclear. It is uncertain whether the club will encounter difficulties in complying with Financial Fair Play regulations.
