Jorge Mendes could work on option of offering 23-year-old loanee as Lionel Messi replacement at PSG - Reports

Super agent Jorge Mendes reportedly has the option of offering on-loan Chelsea forward Joao Felix as a potential replacement for Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea could explore the option of loaning the Portugal international for another year in a €20 million package that would include loan fees and wages. They do not want to pay the €100 million valuation placed on the player to sign him permanently.

If Felix does not have a future at Chelsea or Atletico Madrid beyond the summer, Mendes could explore the option of offering him as Messi's replacement at PSG. The super agent could also look to offer him to other Premier League clubs.

Messi is set to leave Les Parisiens as a free agent this summer unless something drastic happens. The 35-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent a trophy-laden 17 years before joining PSG in 2021.

Meanwhile, Felix, 23, joined Atletico Madrid from SL Benfica for €126 million in July 2019 but has failed to perform to his potential. The Portuguese forward was deemed expendable by Los Colchoneros in January and was allowed to join Chelsea on a six-month loan deal.

PSG would possibly have to scour the market in the event of Lionel Messi's exit. They do not have another world-class option to seamlessly replace the seven-time Ballon d'Or if he leaves.

Meanwhile, Felix's time in West London has seen him score just twice in 16 games across competitions. The Atletico loanee has shown all the skills needed to be a world-class forward but has lacked the finishing touch to truly make a mark at Chelsea.

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Lionel Messi breaks silence after being fined by PSG for Saudi trip

Lionel Messi was reportedly slapped with a two-week suspension by Paris Saint-Germain after making an unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Argentine superstar failed to turn up for training on Monday (May 1) after his team's 3-1 Ligue 1 loss to Lorient. He was apparently refused permission to make the trip but still went ahead with his plans.

Messi has now given his side of the story. In a video posted on Instagram, he said:

"I thought we were going to have a day off after the game as it always does. I had this trip organised and couldn't cancel it. I had already cancelled it before. I apologise to my teammates, and I'm waiting for what the club wants to do with me."

Lionel Messi is likely to miss his team's league games against Troyes (May 7) and Ajaccio (May 13).