Lionel Messi Edges Closer to Leaving Paris Saint Germain at the End of the Season

• Lionel Messi could be leaving PSG soon as a tactical imbalance claim emerges involving the superstar
• PSG reportedly feels the attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe is affecting the team's dynamics
• The Argentine is set to become a free agent at the end of the season when his current PSG runs out

Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain look set to part ways at the end of the season, as the Ligue 1 club is reportedly skeptical of extending the Argentine’s contract beyond this campaign.

Messi penned a two-year deal when he joined PSG from Barcelona in 2021 but his time in Paris has failed to meet the expectations after back-to-back failures in the UEFA Champions League.

According to Sportskeeda, PSG feels that Messi’s partnership with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in the attack has hurt the team’s balance and the club is now seeking change.

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The Parisians are said to want to build a project centred on Mbappe, whose contract expires in June 2024, because he is their most consistent performer.

Messi is currently the only member of the trio who can make way this summer, as Neymar is keen to remain with the club at least until June 2025 when his PSG contract expires.

'Messi should stay at PSG'

Meanwhile, Messi has been advised by Argentina legend, Mario Kempes to remain at PSG to boost his chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup, Goal reports.

Kempes believes remaining in France would leave the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner better prepared to help Argentina defend their title at the next tournament.

Messi’s current contract with PSG is set to expire at the end of the season and the Argentine is yet to pen a new deal with the Parisians, despite an offer reportedly being placed on the table by the Ligue 1 giants.

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Messi wants European stay extended

In related coverage, Sports Brief reported on Messi being keen to remain in Europe next season as he chases another Ballon d’Or title.

The veteran Argentine has won the prestigious award a record seven times and is looking to extend that record with another win.

The Paris Saint-Germain star is one of the favourites to win the award given his success with his country at the 2022 World Cup.