Soccer News of Friday, 12 May 2023

Source: www.sportsbrief.com

Pep Guardiola advises Messi on next move

Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi at Barcelona Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi at Barcelona

Lionel Messi faces a decisive month, ahead of his rumoured departure from Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires in the summer.

He shockingly joined the Parisians in 2021 after 21 successful years in Barcelona, as a result of the Spanish club being unable to register his new contract due to financial limitations.

Messi's time in Paris has been a mixture of ups and downs, with his first year under compatriot, Mauricio Pochettino not going well as the veteran struggled for form and consistency.

His second season has gone quite well individually, yet the Paris-based club's failure to advance far in the UEFA Champions League has dulled their season somewhat.

PSG fans wanted more from Messi and his teammates, and now appear to have had enough, according to Tribuna.

Guardiola sends message to Messi
Pep Guardiola and Messi spent four successful years together at Barcelona, winning 14 trophies including two UEFA Champions League titles - the last time the Spanish manager conquered Europe.

La Blaugrana are said to be interested in bringing their superstar back but could once again be handicapped by their financial distress.

Guardiola's message to Messi tilts towards him choosing Barcelona, even though Al-Hilal have offered him a mouthwatering contract of £552 million per season to join the Saudi Pro League, as reported by Marca.

The Argentine captain did not have a proper sending-off from the Catalan club, which is one of the reasons his former manager believes he should return to Camp Nou.

"Leo helped our club [Barcelona] become much greater than when he arrived. When a person is so big, you have to say goodbye in the right way," Guardiola told ESPN Argentina.

"I hope the day comes when I'm in my seat [at Camp Nou] and I can stand up and applaud and say goodbye to Leo as he deserves."