Forget about Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain. It started like a dream to win the Champions League together two years ago and it's now ending as a nightmare.
Behind the scenes, the crucial moment of this story between the legendary Leo and Paris Saint-Germain was one month ago, at the beginning of April: Jorge Messi, Leo's father and advisor, called members of PSG board to communicate them that his son was not going to sign a new contract despite an official bid made last February. It was already over; and the negotiation collapsed exactly one month ago.
In any case, this remains surprising if we think how advanced was that negotiation in December.
Before the end of the World Cup, Leo Messi met with members of the Paris Saint-Germain board in Qatar and the meeting was more than positive: PSG and Messi agreed on the idea to continue together at least for one more year, maybe two with an option included on both sides.
It was considered just matter of time to meet in January or February, discuss new deal details and then go to the signing stage. But the situation has completely changed in less than 6 months.
The crucial moment was after the two legs of Champions League's round of sixteen when Paris Saint-Germain have been eliminated by Bayern Munich. It was completely unexpected as PSG were really confident to make something special happen in the Champions League this season; but Bayern were perfect against them and the drama happened again for the French team.
This created a lot of changes in the plans of PSG for present and future; Messi's extension was close to being completed in December and January, but the scenario has completely changed because of some tension between parties after that Champions League fiasco.
When Paris Saint-Germain met with Jorge Messi for the second time at the end of February, the situation immediately looked different compared to two months before.
That tension didn't help and above all sources guarantee that the PSG project for next year was not yet clear: who will be the manager? How many players will be changed?
Messi wanted immediate answers but there were none, so the situation became nervous and Messi decided to leave the negotiations in early April.
At that moment the split between Leo and PSG began, continued with the events of the last few days: the club has decided in the last 48 hours to suspend Messi for the next two weeks, Leo will not be able to train with the group and will not be called up for the next games because his trip to Saudi Arabia (where he is ambassador for tourism) was not authorized by the club.
It seems like the last page of a now finished relationship between Messi and Paris.
What's next for Leo? Barcelona want him for sure, Xavi Hernandez is pushing to sign Leo as he's calling him every single week... but it all depends on Financial Fair Play as Barça are insisting with La Liga to find a solution, it's not that easy.
Al Hilal have offered €400m per season to Messi already one month ago, MLS side Inter Miami want Leo too but it's not decision time yet. Everything is open and Barça look as favourites; but Financial Fair Play will be crucial step to get it done.
The next weeks will be important. We just have one guarantee, huge news now: it's over between Messi and PSG.
