Report: Messi now unlikely to extend PSG contract after refusing pay cut
Lionel Messi has seemingly had a change of heart.
The Argentine superstar is now unlikely to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, sources told Julien Laurens of ESPN.
Laurens reported in December that Messi, whose current deal expires this summer, had agreed “in principle” to remain with the French club for at least one more season. It was noted at the time, however, that negotiations were yet to formally take place between the parties.
PSG want Messi to take a 25% pay cut from his existing salary, according to Laurens. The World Cup winner reportedly makes €40 million gross per year. Messi and his camp are not prepared to meet that request, Laurens adds, while the player himself is disillusioned after being jeered by some PSG fans at the Parc des Princes prior to Sunday’s loss against Lyon.
Negotiations between the two sides, once viewed as a formality prior to Messi’s triumphant World Cup campaign with Argentina, are now at a standstill.
“The dynamics have completely changed with PSG less pushing to renew (his contract),” a source close to the club told AFP. “The fans have changed things completely.”
Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, is scheduled to meet with PSG officials later this month to see if a compromise can be reached. Until then, all options appear to be on the table for the decorated 35-year-old. Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste said last month the Catalan club has been in contact with Messi’s representatives about a potential return to the Camp Nou. Financial restrictions could scupper that romantic reunion, though. Amid rumored interest from Inter Miami, Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber admitted North America’s top league is willing to “think outside the box” and be flexible in order to facilitate a deal for the iconic forward.
Rumblings of interest from Saudi Arabia, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al Nassr, also persist. Riyadh-based club Al Hilal, local rivals of Al Nassr, have tabled an offer for Messi that includes a salary package worth over €400 million per year, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. Messi’s priority at this time is to remain in Europe, Romano adds.
Messi, who has been uncharacteristically subdued on the pitch in recent weeks, still leads Ligue 1 this season with 26 goal involvements, scoring 13 times himself and providing the same number of assists.
