Lionel Messi 'will snub PSG contract renewal and leave on a free transfer next summer'

Lionel Messi will snub the offer of a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain and will instead leave on a free transfer next summer, according to reports in Spain.

Messi, 35, left Barcelona in 2021 to join the Parisian club on a two-year deal, with the option of a further year.

After a difficult debut season in French football, in which he managed only six league goals, Messi finally looks to have acclimatised to his new surroundings.

He has already scored six goals and provided eight assists for PSG this season, while he also scored four goals while on international duty with Argentina this month.

But despite his recent upturn in form, Messi will seek a move away from the Parc des Princes at the end of the current campaign, according to Spanish journalist Miquel Blazquez, via Beteve.

"Leo Messi is clear that he is not going to renew his contract with PSG," tweeted Blazquez.

"The Argentine soccer player will not continue playing in Paris next season."

🚨Leo Messi tiene claro que no va a renovar su contrato con el PSG. El futbolista argentino no seguirá jugando en París la próxima temporada, vía @beteve. #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/39wEwZH1Px

— Miquel Blázquez (@BlazquezFont) September 27, 2022

It has been suggested that Messi could return to Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles and the Champions League four times.

When asked if he would like to see his former teammate return to the club, Barcelona manager Xavi said: "Yes, but at the moment, Leo has a contract with another club, so it’s impossible."

"We will see in the future," Xavi added.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has previously said he hopes "the story of Leo and Barca will continue".

However, Messi insists he is currently happy at PSG after overcoming his difficult start in French football.

"I feel good, I feel different from last year. I knew it was going to be like this," said Messi.

"I'm more comfortable with the club, the dressing room, my teammates, the game.

"I feel very good again, so I'm starting to enjoy it again."

Should Messi leave PSG at the end of the season? Let us know your thoughts.

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