Paris Saint-Germain 'decide against renewing Lionel Messi contract'

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly decided against renewing Lionel Messi's contract.

The Argentina international has entered the last few years months of the two-year deal that he signed upon his arrival in Paris in 2021.

During his time with the club, Messi has scored 31 goals and provided 34 assists in 70 appearances across all competitions.

Messi is close to winning his second Ligue 1 title, but he has been unable to help PSG achieve their dream of winning the Champions League.

According to The Mirror, the 35-year-old is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

© Reuters

PSG are prepared to allow Messi to depart on a free transfer as club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi looks to change his strategy.

The report states that PSG want to put a greater focus on young French prospects and sign fewer big-name players.

Messi has been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami and Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, but he is determined to keep playing in Europe.

Barcelona are keen to bring their all-time record goalscorer back to the club, but they are yet to make an official approach.

Messi won numerous honours in his time as a Barcelona player, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.

© Reuters

Barcelona will have to improve their financial situation to stand any chance of re-signing the Argentine.

The La Liga leaders need to make significant economic savings this summer before they can register new players.

There is a belief that Messi would take a pay cut to return to Camp Nou, but the Catalan giants would still need to make cutbacks to meet La Liga's strict Financial Fair Play rules.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding a possible move back to Barcelona, the prospect of signing an extension with PSG has not been ruled out entirely.

However, the two parties will only consider agreeing a new deal once all other avenues have been explored, making a summer departure the most likely outcome.