Lionel Messi, superstar of Paris Saint-Germain, apologized to his club and teammates in a video message on Friday after being suspended for an unauthorized promotional visit to Saudi Arabia. Messi was suspended for two weeks without pay after missing a team practice during his trip, sidelining him for two upcoming matches this weekend. However, he is set to return in time for the club’s last three matches of the season. Messi is reportedly planning to reject a club option for a third year in Paris at the end of the season, and reportedly received a whopping $400 million contract with the Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based club Al-Hilal.
Messi’s future after this season remains uncertain, as speculation grows he could rejoin FC Barcelona, where he played from 2004 to 2021, or join a list of aging soccer stars to join the MLS, with rumors Messi is weighing an offer from David Beckham’s Inter Miami. Messi makes $130 million per year, only putting him behind Ronaldo on Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes in the world. His yearly earnings include $65 million on the field and another $65 million from endorsement deals off the field, including a $20 million annual advertisement deal with blockchain company Socios.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 10-time La Liga champion with Barcelona, and one-time Ligue 1 champion with PSG, is regarded as one of the best soccer players of all time and is the leading scorer. After winning his first World Cup with Argentina in December, however, PSG fans have increasingly criticized his performance with the club, with fans protesting outside club offices, calling for Messi’s departure.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s future in soccer remains uncertain as he faces suspension and rumors of leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Despite being one of the best soccer players of all time, Messi’s performance with PSG has been criticized by fans, leading to protests and calls for his departure. With offers from other clubs and a massive contract from Al-Hilal, Messi’s next move is eagerly anticipated by soccer fans worldwide.
Keywords: Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain, Saudi Arabia, suspension, FC Barcelona, MLS, David Beckham, Al-Hilal, Ballon d’Or, La Liga, Ligue 1, World Cup, endorsement deals, Socios, highest-paid athletes, soccer players.