Why Lionel Messi really wants to leave Paris

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has long had enough of being a PSG player as confirmed recently when the club’s head coach admitted he was preparing for life without the superstar.

The little master is barely into his stint with the French Super Club. However, rumours circulate that the Argentina megastar is unhappy about one aspect of life in Paris in particular.

LIONEL MESSI UNHAPPY WITH INVASIVE FRENCH PRESS

Messi almost immediately had second thoughts about his move to France. This is clearly thanks to the nosy press in Paris.

French news outlets managed to ferret out Messi’s salary just days after he signed with the club. However, slightly more disturbing has been the intrusion into his private life. In September 2021, the french newspaper L’Equipe revealed that Messi would earn a net salary of R1.9 billion.

ALSO READ: Mike Makaab’s Prosport offloads rugby division to Octagon

Reporters have spoken to real estate agents who claim to have had discussions with Messi, printing sensitive information about potential properties and his requirements for a home.

He has shown glimpses of his best at PSG. However, despite showing the intent to keep playing after winning the World Cup with Argentina, it will not be at PSG.

ALSO READ: Pitso Mosimane confirms he has not been paid since January

Messi has now won the Ballon d’Or seven times. After leading Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021 ended his long wait for international team honours he added the final piece to his collection when he inspired his nation to World Cup glory.

The 36-year-old was not in the top ten of the Ballon D’Or voting in 2022, with Kylian Mbappe the PSG player receiving the most votes from the team as Karim Benzema won. However, he is the favourite to snatch the award for the eighth time in 2023.

ALSO READ: Spanish World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz’s French roots revealed

WHERE WILL HE GO?

In a tongue-in-cheek twist, newly-rich Newcastle United had also been linked with the Argentine superstar. While there is no doubt that the new owners wield that level of financial clout it would be a serious shock to see him make that move.

ALSO READ: Caster Semenya announces new memoir: The Race to be Myself

It seems far more likely that he will opt for either a return to Barcelona or cash in on a mega-money offer in Saudi Arabia where he will also be afforded a greater level of privacy.

Barcelona and Xavi would go to great expense to get him back but have those bridges been burnt?

This article was originally published by JAMES RICHARDSON.