BARRIO – Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, informed PSG last month that his son will not be returning to the club.

PSG decided to suspend Messi for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. The two-week ban will see Messi miss Ligue dates with Troyes and Ajaccio.

This is Messi’s second season with the club after leaving Barcelona following a 20-year marriage. He’s made 37 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring 20 times.

While PSG appears to be on course for a ninth league title in 11 seasons and second straight, the arrival of Messi has not been able to get the club over the hump in the Champions League. This season, PSG crashed out in the Round of 16 against Bayern Munich.

Where Messi could play next season is uncertain with a return to Barca appearing to be highly unlikely. Messi’s potential availability will undoubtedly spark interest in both Saudi Arabia and in Major League Soccer.

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal want to sign Messi this summer when his contract at PSG expires. They are prepared to pay him an astronomical £400m for one season in order to market a league that would include both him and Cristiano Ronaldo.

(Posted May 3, 2023)