“Bomb” was the way La Nacion framed the moment. “Scandal” flashed across Infobae, a portal whose reach is felt well beyond Argentina. Olé spoke in stark terms about the end of an era in its own way. Messi’s links to a possible visit to Saudi Arabia sparked questions about suspensions and what they signaled for his standing. The football icon, long regarded as a flawless force in world football, faced a level of public scrutiny in Buenos Aires that felt almost personal, as though the city’s gaze could change the course of his career. The 1991 punishment of Diego Maradona for cocaine use in Naples still echoes, a reminder of how penalties and symbolism can shape public memory. This is not merely a matter of drugs, but a sudden shift in Messi’s career that touches broader expectations about his conduct and leadership.
The mood among many sports commentators in Buenos Aires is clear: more transparency is needed to explain what triggered the break in sanction. Was there an unofficial agreement after the World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday, May 2? Reports suggested there wasn’t a full economic deal or a convincing sports project from PSG. For Messi, who has pursued a squad structure that would maximize his pursuit of the Champions League, a meeting occurred between PSG’s manager Luis Campos and Messi’s father, Jorge. The discussions stayed respectful, but did not seal an extension for another year. In the meantime, on-field results began to bite harder.
⚽️ With a horizon away from PSG, three clubs emerged as contenders for the 2023-24 season, with whispers of a return to Barcelona lingering in the background. This sentiment circulated through media circles and social commentary at the time.
— Diario Olé
changing opinions
Messi once faced suspicion at home. Some opinion leaders wondered how a player who produced extraordinary numbers with Barcelona could fail to replicate that level for the Argentina national team. Even his reluctance to sing the national anthem before matches sparked debate. Those resentments softened after Argentina’s Copa América triumph in 2021. Then came the World Cup, and Messi evolved into a symbol of collective pride rather than controversy. Discussions about ties to Saudi Arabia did not overshadow the broader admiration in Buenos Aires.
Relations with his challengers were read by some French media and by a faction in Argentina as remnants of old tensions among PSG supporters. The perceived distance between Messi and the club’s so-called “brava bar” drew attention from the Argentine press. His goals and assists for Mbappé did not fully repair a relationship that seemed fractured. In the absence of a formal economic agreement, talk suggested Messi might consider leaving Paris, though no path was clearly laid out. Olé captured a sense of cautious optimism, noting a “smell of separation” rather than a clear route to continuity. PSG’s losses and the evolving family dynamics influenced the atmosphere around negotiations.
seriousness and tolerance
The atmosphere in Paris carried a weight of seriousness, as reported by La Nación, with Messi’s case treated as an important football decision rather than a casual matter. PSG’s stance appeared to prioritize the team’s broader image, balancing football strategy with public perception. Neymar’s own trips to Brazil for personal events were cited as a comparison for how star players’ schedules can impact club dynamics. The club’s approach was read by some as a shield for its public image, especially after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Lorient. For fans, the emphasis was on performance over rhetoric, while club leadership weighed the financial implications of renewals. Barcelona’s name still hovered as a potential alternative, but meeting La Liga’s Financial Fair Play standards remained a hurdle. Beyond rumors, Messi’s leadership on the field and in the locker room was expected to adapt to shifting club goals and evolving league rules.