Reuters2 minute reading
Laurens: Despite return, Messi will still leave PSG this season
Julien Laurens explains why Lionel Messi returned from his PSG suspension early and what it means for his status at the club next season.
Argentina’s embassy in China said on Monday the World Cup winners would play Australia on June 15, bringing Messi to the country for the first time since 2017.
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La Albiceleste defeated the Socceroos 2-1 en route to the 2022 World Cup title, with coach Lionel Scaloni later describing the match as Argentina’s toughest in Qatar.
June’s friendly will mark the seventh time Messi, 35, has visited China and comes at a time when his future at Paris Saint-Germain is the subject of intense speculation. A source close to the player has told Reuters he had received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal next season.
Messi has received a warm welcome on each of his previous visits to China, which has a huge soccer fan base despite the men’s national team’s struggles.
Since his first trip to China in 2005, Messi has played for Argentina or his former club Barcelona in friendlies. The Spanish team beat Beijing Guoan 3-0 in a friendly in 2010.
