Lionel Messi edges closer to PSG exit as tactical imbalance claim emerges involving Kylian Mbappe and Neymar: Reports

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) reportedly feel that the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe does not bode well for the team’s dynamics. This has made them skeptical about extending the Barcelona legend’s contract this summer.

According to French outlet L’Equipe (via Fichajes.net), Messi is inching closer to leaving Paris as a free agent in the summer. The Argentina star is out of contract in June and is yet to agree to the latest renewal offers. Meanwhile, PSG are also unsure about his extension, as they feel that his partnership with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar hurts the team’s balance.

The Parisians reportedly want to build a project around Kylian Mbappe, whose contract is set to run out in June 2024 (optional additional year). They see him as their most consistent performer and want to keep him at the club by making him the face of the project. Renewing seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi threatens to pull the focus away from the PSG no. 7.

Neymar, who will not play again this season due to an ankle injury, will see his PSG contract expire in June 2025. The Brazilian has shown no desire to leave the French capital thus far, meaning Messi is currently the only member of the trio who can make way.

Amid Messi’s exit rumors, Barcelona have reportedly expressed their desire to bring their record goalscorer back to Camp Nou. Xavi and Co. are currently wrestling with Financial Fair Play restrictions but will leave no stone unturned to make La Pulga's return possible.

Since joining PSG in the summer of 2021, Messi has played in 66 matches, scoring 29 times and providing 32 assists.

---

Barcelona could deploy Lionel Messi in a deeper midfield role if he returns to the club this summer

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona manager Xavi is eager to have Lionel Messi back at Camp Nou this summer. It has been claimed that the coach already knows where he wants to deploy the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.

With Robert Lewandowski already firing on all cylinders as the team's go-to talisman, Xavi reportedly wants Messi to make the most of his creativity and vision. This is why the Spanish tactician wants his former teammate to trade his free-roaming role for a fixed midfield role. It is believed that Lionel Messi would fit effortlessly into Barcelona's four-man midfield system.

Since joining the Parisians, Messi has acted as their creator-in-chief. In 66 games for PSG so far, he has claimed 32 assists. He created goals routinely at Barcelona as well, with him recording 303 assists in 778 games before his departure in 2021.