It could be three trophies, two seasons, one suspension, zero Champions Leagues and out for Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain.
The 35-year-old has been suspended by PSG for two weeks following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, for whom he is a tourism ambassador.
After a history tour in Diriyah, Messi and family “treated themselves to a delightful selection of international cuisine and a luxurious shopping experience in Riyadh followed by a fun-filled afternoon of games,” Saudi Arabia’s minister of tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said on Twitter.
And all this fun has come at a cost, with PSG’s decision to suspend the Argentine signalling a decisive split between club and player. “La Rupture,” read L’Equipe’s front page on Tuesday. No translation needed.
The French newspaper reported PSG wanted to show the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner he was not above their rules, and this decision to skip training for a personal venture means Messi may play just three more games for the Ligue 1 leaders before moving on in the summer.
The possibility of PSG extending his contract beyond this season was already looking unlikely. Negotiations were said to have stalled, with Messi’s camp unwilling to accept a significant pay cut, and recent events suggest further talks may not be forthcoming.
So, it’s back to Barcelona, right? Well, about that. Once more the club’s financial issues – a mild way of summarising a fiasco that features economic levers (ooh!) and an ongoing struggle to register players (ahh!) – are proving to be a stumbling block.
Barcelona need to reduce their wage bill this summer, by a staggering €170m (£150m) no less, a figure confirmed by club president Joan Laporta in February.
Laporta blamed the previous regime under Josep Maria Bartomeu, and said since inheriting this debt he has saved Barça from “financial ruin”. The club remain at loggerheads with La Liga, though, with Laporta accusing them of applying “more restrictive rules” in their attempts to reduce arrears.
Still, Barcelona remain in talks with La Liga regarding their plan to balance the books, and while that is likely to include terminated contracts Рat a time when they are unable to register new contracts with Gavi and Sergi Roberto, among others РLa Liga president Javier Tebas claimed in March that new signings at Bar̤a would not be possible this summer as it stands.
This puts the prospect of Messi’s return on ice, and it could be a non-starter entirely, despite Laporta uttering a simple “yes” when asked by a supporter last month whether the club would bring back their greatest ever player.
Despite the obstacles, we can expect Barcelona to continue their pursuit, and do not be surprised to see more public airings of this dispute between the club and La Liga in the coming weeks, perhaps more to show fans they are trying to facilitate Messi’s return. Either way, the difficulties this signing presents opens the door for a move elsewhere.
As a tourist ambassador for the Gulf nation, Messi is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad are prepared to pay him $94m (£75m) a season, Marca reports, while Al-Hilal are said to have made several offers in the past.
I am happy to welcome #Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.
— Ahmed Al Khateeb Ø£Øمد الخطيب (@AhmedAlKhateeb) May 1, 2023
We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality.#WelcomeMessi pic.twitter.com/QQGdnAqQ08
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently at Al Nassr and tops Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list for 2023 ahead of Messi after nearly doubling the salary he had been earning at Manchester United.
The question of what motivates Messi may therefore be a predominant factor in his next move. Cash by the lorryload awaits in Saudi Arabia, while joining MLS side Inter Miami presents its own incentives.
Messi has a home in Miami, and that has been enough to fuel reports of a future move to Inter Miami, part-owned by David Beckham and managed by Phil Neville.
The club was established in 2018 and began life in the MLS two years later. Last season they finished sixth in the Eastern Conference, but were no match for New York City FC in the first round of the play-offs, losing 3-0.
Beckham’s pull saw former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain play for Inter Miami for three seasons until his retirement last year, but whether Messi will follow in his compatriot’s footsteps appears uncertain for now – particularly if he feels he has more to give in European football.
At his mercurial best for Argentina at the World Cup, Messi has enjoyed an improved season at PSG in the scoring charts after a patchy first campaign.
An eighth Ballon d’Or would appear likely, he is currently odds-on with the bookmakers because of the World Cup triumph, but even the bookies are struggling when it comes to his next club.
He is still down at 7-4 to play for Barca next season, 5-2 for “any” Saudi team, and out at 6-1 to move to Inter Miami. Manchester City are 25-1. Oh, and Newcastle, you ask? 50-1.
All this means, quite simply, is that unlike Newcastle’s kit, Messi’s future is far from black and white.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/qrRSKFE
Post a Comment