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Lionel Messi is a huge name in world football. While 2021 saw him get separated from the Spanish giants FC Barcelona where he spent most of his career and became the star that the world has come to see him, he joined Paris Saint-Germain which boasts of a dream frontline comprising of the likes of Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe alongside Messi.
However, it is now being learnt that Messi could leave the PSG club only after one season if they fail to win the UEFA Champions League. While it is true that Messi did win the Ballon d'Or in his first year at PSG, the truth remains that he won that award due to his achievements with Argentina and Barcelona rather than turning up for PSG.
Although Messi has been from his best in Ligue 1 scoring just once in the 11 appearances for the club this season, the Champions League has seen a better run from the Argentine with five goals in five matches for Leo. Nevertheless, if his goals are not able to help the side win, Messi could consider a move out of the club.
"Messi would have realised he made a mistake on a personal level by joining PSG"
"Messi will always miss the "modus vivendi" he had in Barcelona," former Barcelona midfielder Lobo Carrasco told El Chiringuito TV.
"If he succeeds, which means winning the Champions League, he could extend his stay for another year.
"If PSG don't win the Champions League then this year is going to be a long one.
"I don't think he regrets his decision in a sporting sense, but on a personal level he realised [he made a mistake]."
The 34-year-old recently contracted COVID-19 and missed the French club's first game of the new calendar year when they defeated Vannes in the Coupe de France. He is likely to make a comeback for the Ligue 1 game against Lyon who happen to be seven points off the top four in the 13th.
PSG coach Pochettino came to know of Messi testing COVID positive through a third party
It is also being reported that Messi is being criticised since reports of him testing positive for COVID reached coach Mauricio Pochettino through a third party.
"You must always respect your coach, this is what I was taught in Clairefontaine," former PSG man Jerome Rothen said.
"...Pochettino was not updated as to where Messi was, and that explains a lot of things. This is not a good thing and I think it is very shocking from Messi," he added.
It remains to be seen what actually unfolds as the season goes by and whether or not Messi chooses to be with the Ligue 1 giants for another year.