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What a year it was for Lionel Messi! He endured one of the best seasons of his career with his national camp. The player clinched his hands on the long-awaited trophy as his country lifted the prestigious FIFA World Cup. It has been over three months since the player achieved the massive feat with his side. In fact, even after such a long time, the world is full of praise for the Argentinian. Soccer fans around the world can’t get over his significant achievement.

Even today, the player continues to shine for his side after he recently performed brilliantly for his nation. However, the same cannot be said on domestic terms, as the player is currently struggling with his household club, PSG. The player is pondering a shock return to his former side but at a small price.

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Lionel Messi ready to take a massive pay cut

It hasn’t been an ideal move for Messi at Parc des Princes. Ever since the player joined the club, he hasn’t achieved much success. The 35-year-old joined the Parisians back in 2021 after he was forced to leave his former club, FC Barcelona. Since then, the player may have helped his new side win a handful of trophies.

The club is still struggling to make a mark in Europe as the Champions League ramifications continue to haunt the French club. This year too, the club faced an unfortunate exit from the Champions League, which is now forcing both Messi and the Parisians to make bold decisions. With Messi’s contract set to expire this season, the player is considering his future.

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Hence, according to several reports, La Pulga is eyeing a return to his former club, FC Barcelona. However, the La Liga club is currently under several financial constraints. However, the player is ready to take a huge pay cut from the Blaugranas. Further reports indicate the team is only willing to offer him a maximum salary of $12 million per year.

Previously, Barcelona coach Xavi had also expressed his wish to bring back the former legend to Spotify Camp Nou. The Spanish coach insisted on seeing the last dance of the Catalan’s former number 10. Unfortunately, Messi might be at a crossroads, as the player recently received a handsome package from a foreign club.

Mouth-watering deal from the Middle East

Messi’s transfer may materialize; however, the La Liga giants are facing tough competition from Cristiano Ronaldo’s domestic rivals, Al Hilal. The Middle Eastern side has reportedly offered Messi a contract worth $440 million. The contract will make him the highest-paid player ahead of Ronaldo, who is currently earning $220 million per year. Hence, the Argentine skipper will earn double what the Portuguese skipper earns.

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However, the player might reject the offer as he aims to continue in Europe. However, the Parisians have rejected the offer because Messi is seeking sporting guarantees. As for Barcelona, the club is waiting for the approval of FFP to send a bid and open talks with the player. the Catalans are already in financial turmoil and are facing a possible elimination from the Champions League, hence it would be interesting to see where he goes.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Moving Hips With Shakira’s Waka-Waka to Dancing With Ricky Martin’s “La Copa de la Vida” – Collection of Songs That Moved the Soccer Fraternity

Nevertheless, where do you think Lionel Messi will play next year? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Abhishek Mishra

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Abhishek Mishra is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. With a keen interest in sports, he is pursuing journalism and aspires to become a sports journalist. Watching and playing soccer since childhood, Abhishek has won many accolades as well.
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Edited by

Sreeda U M