Lionel Messi’s ‘Embarrassing’ Request Reportedly Holding Up Paris Saint Germain Contract Renewal

An ’embarrassing’ request that Lionel Messi has allegedly made is said to be the real reason behind contract renewal talks with Paris Saint Germain reaching a standstill, according to a report.

Messi’s two-year deal signed when joining from FC Barcelona in 2021 as a free agent expires on June 30. It was said to have come with the option of an extra additional season, but last week came the claim that the Argentine, through his agent and father Jorge Messi, has refused to exercise it.

This was said to be down to PSG attempting to lower Messi’s pay, which is believed to be around €30mn ($32mn) a year, to navigate Financial Fair Play Limits.

According to Catalan digital newspaper El Confidencial, however, other factors are at play and provide the motive for Messi possibly moving on to the MLS or rejoining FC Barcelona in the summer.

While it is alleged that Messi wants a pay rise and a competitive team around him to challenge for major honors, as PSG again stand on the verge of another premature Champions League exit, Messi also wants his former Blaugrana teammate Neymar to stick around.

After the 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in a UCL last 16 first leg a week ago, PSG are apparently willing to sell the Brazilian for a fee as low as €50mn ($53mn) which has reportedly captured Chelsea’s interest.

There is more from Messi, however, who wants more days off than the rest of his teammates to focus on his international commitments with world champions Argentina, it is claimed.

Aware that he cannot play matches at the highest level every few days while about to turn 36 four months from now, Messi would like to prioritize fixtures for the Albiceleste ahead of those he needs to fulfil at PSG.

This is said to embarrass president Nasser Al-Khelaifi as it shows Messi “is not fully focused or motivated with the team that pays him his salary”.

If the report is accurate, Messi should perhaps consider heading to the US or exploring a reported offer from Saudi Arabia that would pay him $350mn a year and put him in line to top Forbes’ list of the World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players.

Barca would be unlikely to accommodate his request either, but Inter Miami or Al-Hilal might while also offering games in less competitive leagues than Ligue 1 or La Liga, all due respect.