Laurens: PSG making an example out of Lionel Messi with suspension (1:32)Julien Laurens says Lionel Messi’s trip to Saudi Arabia and subsequent suspension by PSG is a result of the club putting an end to their leniency with star players. (1:32)
Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season when his contract expires, sources told ESPN.
Last month, ESPN reported that Messi was unlikely to sign a new contract with the club and sources have now said that both parties have agreed not to extend his stay at the French champions.
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According to the sources, the Argentina international has been suspended by PSG for two weeks for missing training on Monday to travel to Saudi Arabia.
After PSG’s 3-1 defeat to Lorient — their third loss in their past four league games — Messi flew to Saudi Arabia without asking again for permission, sources told ESPN, meaning he could not attend training Monday.
The incident further complicated the relationship between the player and the club. Sources told ESPN the situation created tension within the dressing room, with some players unhappy with the incident.
Sources said that an agreement in principle was found before the World Cup between PSG and Messi for him to sign a new deal in Paris, but the situation has since changed.
Messi, 35, has failed to replicate his excellent World Cup form with PSG and the club doubts whether Messi can still deliver in big Champions League matches.
Sources told ESPN that there is an offer from Saudi Arabia for Messi and he is aware of interest from former club Barcelona and Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.
Barcelona are looking into the possibility of re-signing Messi, although LaLiga president Javier Tebas warned that the league won’t change its financial fair play rules to allow him to return.