Messi’s future at PSG up in the air with possible Barça return

Paris, Apr 4 (EFE).- Paris Saint-Germain and Lionel Messi could be on the cusp of a divorce amid financial pressure and questions over a coaching overhaul at the French club, local press is reporting.

PSG’s coach Christophe Galtier is also on shaky ground after the team’s 0-1 loss to Lyon on Sunday, a result that tightened the title race.

Leading sport news outlet L’Equipe reported Messi would have to agree on a salary reduction in order to stay beyond June 30, when his contract expires, given that PSG has to trim its payroll to meet Uefa’s financial rules.

The newspaper said PSG had suggested Messi’s wage be reduced by a quarter but also noted the renewed interest being shown by FC Barcelona, who hope to woo the superstar back despite their own financial woes.

PSG fans let out a hiss of whistles and boos at the Parc des Princes on Sunday as Messi’s face appeared on the screen during the lineup announcement.

The Argentine scored 12 goals and set up 14 in the 19 PSG games before his victorious run at the Qatar World Cup but has returned to score just six in the second half of the season.

Le Parisien, a French daily, said Messi’s drop in performance was a symbol of wider decline for PSG, who were knocked out of the Champions League yet again this year by Bayern Munich.

They could yet lose out on the Ligue 1 title.

The Parisians have lost their last two league games and with nine games to go have a six point advantage over Lens and Marseilles in the French top-flight.

Galtier’s remaining time at the club could be a question of “weeks or days,” according to Le Parisien, which cast doubt on the manager remaining in charge next year regardless of whether he stays until the end of the season. EFE

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