5 sensible reasons why PSG could bid Messi goodbye

• PSG will be renewing contracts over summer
• Messi’s contract will be up for renewal at the end of the season
• There are conflicting standpoints regarding his contract renewal

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has a herculean task over the summer. One of it involves whether or not Lionel Messi stays with PSG through contract renewal.

Messi’s contract will be up for renewal at the end of the season, and some football fans can’t help but wonder if he will stay longer with the Ligue 1 team. He joined the Ligue 1 club from Barcelona in the summer of 2021. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has excelled for PSG this season after having a difficult rookie campaign.

However, there are conflicting standpoints regarding his contract renewal. Here are five reasons why PSG could opt not to renew his contract.

BUILD A FORMIDABLE ATTACK SQUAD

Lionel Messi is one of the big names to miss out on the 30-man list of Ballon d’Or nominees. Photo/ FotMob.

On paper, the Messi-Kylian Mbappe-Neymar combination appears to be a secret formula for success. They are the world’s best-attacking trio when they are at their peak. But PSG won’t be able to take advantage of it for a while. This summer, Messi will turn 36 and Neymar is 31.

It’s time to make plans for the future and recruit fresh talent to help the team succeed. The longer PSG drags out this process, the more challenging it will get when Messi exits.

PSG can sign younger players with a high ceiling by using the money they want to throw at Messi. Over the upcoming transfer windows, they can reassign these sums for this objective and improve a number of positions. The shift will be seamless and there won’t be many bumps in the road.

RENEWING MESSI’S CONTRACT IS EXORBITANTLY HIGH

Paris Saint-Germain’s huge cash reserves won’t suddenly run out, but it will be more difficult for them to stay within the fair play rules if Messi’s contract is extended. Given that Messi is winding down his career, and this may be his final opportunity to sign a lucrative contract, he is not likely to give in.

However, there won’t be a shortage of suitors for him, so PSG will need to offer the 35-year-old a substantial contract to convince him to stay. Should they continue to pay him and forgo future planning? No, not really. It doesn’t seem like a horrible idea to let Messi go at this stage.

THINK ABOUT KYLIAN MBAPPE AS THE NEXT LIONEL MESSI

Kylian Mbappe’s record-breaking contract with PSG makes it clear that he will be the team’s key man moving ahead. However, it appears that the pitch has not totally reflected this. Right now, Messi is the key conduit for PSG’s offence. Mbappe is constrained to limit himself to becoming a prolific goal scorer, despite being capable of much more.

Mbappe was PSG’s primary creator last season when Messi struggled and wasn’t playing as prominently as he has this season. In 46 games in all competitions for PSG in the 2021–22 season, he scored 39 goals and contributed 26 assists. His assist totals have significantly decreased, despite the fact that he has scored 25 goals so far this season. The Frenchman has made only six assists in 26 games so far this season.

Mbappe may resume his position as PSG’s star player if Messi leaves. He could have a more satisfying position for his team and will be, without a doubt their star.

TEAMMATES MUST PROVIDE EXTENSIVE COVERAGE FOR MESSI

Lionel Messi in action for PSG. Photo/ Goal.com.

If the defending Ligue 1 champions implement a structure that prevents players from overworking themselves, perhaps they can work much better together as a team. Even when PSG loses control, Messi can frequently be seen pacing the offensive half.

This structural compromise hampers PSG’s functionality, and given that Messi is getting older, the cost of this concession could materialise in various negative ways in the near future.

THE STRONG NEED TO EVOLVE WITH THE GAME

Tall and powerful poachers are becoming less common, and the role has been taken over by quick, dynamic strikers who also employ their physicality. This particular type of evolution is aided by the appearance of strong, swift, and athletic center-backs. Messi is not a player who frequently presses high up the field. He lacks the strength to dominate opponents on the battlefield.

The 35-year-old has also slowed down by one yard. While he can help them with their issues right now, they will have a lot of catching up to do whenever Messi’s levels in the near future fall past what can be considered a salvaging level.