Lionel Messi is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of the season after two years with the French club, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren’t authorized to comment publicly on the Argentine’s status.
She also pointed out that Messi’s departure stems from a mutual decision.
The news comes a day after PSG suspended the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner following a trip to Saudi Arabia made without the club’s permission.
Messi has a commercial contract with Saudi Arabia to promote tourism in the Middle Eastern country. Some believe that he will continue his career there at the end of the season.
There has also been talk of a return to Barcelona, where he has spent most of his career, or to the United States to play in MLS.
Unless he or PSG change his mind later, this seems to be his last season in Paris.
His suspension and news of his impending exit comes at a time when PSG are embroiled in an increasingly difficult French league title race.
Messi was supposed to train alongside his teammates on Monday, but was instead in Saudi Arabia, holding a falcon on his arm, watching a demonstration of palm leaf weaving and making an appearance at the Arabian Horse Museum – all in the under its commercial contract with the kingdom to promote tourism there.
It was an expensive trip for the recent World Cup winner, who will not be paid or allowed to train or play with the team during his suspension.
The Argentine striker never intended to play for PSG, owned by Qatar Sports Investments, but found himself there in 2021 after Barcelona, the footballing love of his life, became embroiled in long-lasting financial problems .
Messi’s contract with PSG expires at the end of this season and his next destination is uncertain, with reports linking him to Inter Miami in MLS, a return to Barcelona or a move to a Saudi side, potentially Al-Hilal .
Playing for Al-Hilal would put him up against long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been part of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr side since the start of the year.