Claude Makelele warns PSG over Lionel Messi decision

Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele claimed that the Parisian club should retain Lionel Messi beyond the end of the season.

Messi is currently in the final months of his contract and hasn't signed an extension yet. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 35-year-old will leave the club at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract.

Makele, however, claimed that the presence of a player of Messi's stature lifts Ligue 1's status. Claude Makelele told TyC Sports:

"The truth is that PSG's reaction disappointed me a bit. Both the club and Ligue 1 need top-level players to continue growing, and I hope they know how to react in time to retain Messi."

He added:

"The way players of this caliber of planetary fame are criticized hurts me. There are other ways to penalize a player internally. It would be a shame to lose a player like Messi."

Lionel Messi joined the Parisian club back in 2021 when Barca were unable to renew his deal due to La Liga's wage cap rules. He has since made 71 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals and providing 34 assists.

Messi has been in good form this season. He has scored 20 goals and has bagged 19 assists in 37 matches across competitions.

Lionel Messi was handed a two weeks' suspension by PSG for his 'unauthorised' Saudi Arabia trip. He was absent from the squad for the Ligue 1 away clash against Troyes, which the Parisian won by a score of 3-1.

Messi, however, was spotted back in training. L'Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi reported that the Parisians are looking to make Messi available for their next game against Ajaccio.

Messi's presence should serve as a boost for Christophe Galtier's team. With Neymar ruled out for the remainder of the season, Kylian Mbappe shouldered the team's attack in the last match.