Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint Germain at the end of the season, when his two-year contract with the French club expires, a person familiar with the situation said on Wednesday.
The source spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to comment publicly on the Argentine star’s employment status.
According to the person, Messi’s departure represents a mutual decision. Since January, the determination would have been made to allow the contract to expire.
The news comes a day after PSG suspended seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. The ban came after the footballer traveled to Saudi Arabia, apparently without permission from the club.
Messi has a commercial contract with Saudi Arabia for tourism promotion in the Middle Eastern country. Some versions indicate that Messi will move to Saudi football after this campaign.
Reports have also surfaced of a return to Barcelona, where the talented player spent much of his career. Others indicate that he will emigrate to the United States, to play in the MLS.
Barring a sudden change of heart from Messi or PSG, this will be his last campaign in the French capital.
His suspension and the news of his imminent departure come at a time when PSG is embroiled in a tight French league title bid.
Messi was supposed to train together with his teammates on Monday. Instead, he was in Saudi Arabia, holding a falcon in one arm, watching a palm-leaf weaving demonstration and visiting the Arabian Horse Museum, as part of his business deal to promote tourism in the kingdom.
It ended up being an expensive trip for the new world champion.
According to versions in the French press, PSG suspended Messi for two weeks, during which he will not receive a salary or train with the team. The ban could mark the end of a turbulent and — to some extent — disappointing two-season spell for a club well accustomed to soap operas on and off the pitch, given the presence of superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.
