Messi models Paris Saint-Germain’s new kit. Is it a sign?

Paris Saint-Germain have unveiled their new house equipment for the 2023-24 season, and whereas the retro-inspired design is definite to thrill followers, the selection of the participant to mannequin the jersey has already set tongues wagging.

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Lionel Messi appeared carrying the newest PSG jersey regardless of the entire discuss that the Argentina captain is ready to depart the Ligue 1 champions this summer time.

Messi’s former facet Barcelona, Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami and Saudi Pro League membership Al Hilal have all been touted as potential locations amid rising hypothesis that his temporary sojourn in France may come to an finish when his PSG contract expires subsequent month.

In truth, in response to L’Equipe, Inter Miami and Barca have joined forces in an sudden collaboration to thwart Al Hilal’s proposed signing of Messi. The partnership between the 2 golf equipment reportedly proposes that the MLS facet signal Messi earlier than instantly loaning him to Barcelona, permitting him to play one remaining season for the his beloved Blaugrana earlier than heading off for a global swansong with Argentina on the 2024 Copa America, which might be hosted within the United States.

The 35-year-old stoked the flames himself lately when he determined to overlook Ligue 1’s end-of-season awards gala in favour of attending a Coldplay concert back in Barcelona, town he has referred to as house for many of his life, with household and associates, together with former teammate Cesc Fabregas.

Regardless, Les Parisiens have determined to incorporate Messi within the promotional materials for the equipment they are going to be carrying subsequent season — maybe a refined indication that his stint on the Parc des Princes is on the verge of being prolonged into a third yr?

Fellow celebrity Kylian Mbappe has already set stressed minds comfy by confirming his intention to remain put at PSG into the 2023-24 marketing campaign, although Neymar — a shut private pal of Messi — is open to leaving the membership this summer time ought to a suitably attractive supply crop up.

As for the 2023-24 house equipment itself, the shirt is an homage to the PSG jerseys of the early 2000s, when a new wave of thrilling international gamers similar to Ronaldinho, Pauleta, Mauricio Pochettino and Gabriel Heinze helped ship the 2003-04 Coupe de France, the membership’s first main honour because the mid-Nineteen Nineties.

The acquainted darkish blue mattress is emblazoned with a huge, offset vertical model of the well-known “Hechter” stripe much like these used to adorn each PSG house shirt between 2001-02 and 2004-05, earlier than the central band was reintroduced.

The tonal graphics woven into the navy background coupled with the fading gradient of the white accents are supposed to symbolize the structure of the native Paris skyline as soon as shrouded by evening.

C’est magnifique!