Lionel Messi is unlikely to reach an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to extend his stay at the club.
Negotiations between the two parties are at a standstill, casting major doubts over the World Cup winner’s future in Paris, according to sources.
The French champions want the seven time Ballon d’or winner to take a 25% pay cut from his existing salary, which is worth €40 million gross a year, sources have told ESPN.
A new meeting between the club and Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, is still scheduled for later this month to find a solution.
Messi has failed to replicate his excellent World Cup form with PSG and the club doubts whether Messi can still deliver in big Champions League matches.
The Argentina captain was disappointed as PSG were dumped out of the competition by Bayern Munich last month.
Sources told ESPN that Messi, 35, is not prepared to reduce his wages and was upset after his name was jeered by a section of the club’s supporters in the previous two home matches.
Sources added that Messi is leaving all doors open for other teams to make him an offer.
His father had already discussed the possibility of a Barcelona return, but financially it will be difficult to achieve while the player’s camp is also awaiting a proposal from Inter Miami and Major League Soccer.
According to sources, Messi is open to playing in the U.S. before his career comes to an end while there remains interest from Saudi Arabia club Al Ittihad.
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