Lionel Messi's future has been the matter of much speculation, and while the general opinion has shown that most fans would love to see him playing for Barcelona one more time, a respected voice in Argentina and former World Cup winner shared his thoughts in the opposite direction.
Former striker with Argentina Mario Kempes, who was quite critical of Messi prior to his World Cup win in 2022, urged the player to not only stay at Parc des Princes, but also to avoid returning to Barcelona at all costs.
Speaking in an interview with Super Deportiva Radio, the 1978 World Cup winner with La Albiceleste questioned the benefits of Messi going back with the Blaugrana side, especially with the team's complicated situation off the pitch.
"I don't think it's a good idea to see him back with Barcelona. He would be better off in France, so he can get to the next World Cup in great shape. I think he should stay put. Barcelona's objectives right now are different, they are re-building the team after his departure, and there's too much going on over there to deal with," Kempes stated.
The former striker added how Messi's decision could have a big impact for Argentina and their chances to win back-to-back World Cup titles in 2026.
"If I am allowed to be a bit selfish and thinking about the Argentine team, I'd rather have him stay at PSG. It would be better for his state of mind and for his physical strength. He would get in better shape to that World Cup if he stayed in France,"Kempes added.
Before the interview concluded, Kempes revealed one additional reason for Messi's hardships at Parc des Princes, where fans have been quite harsh against him, particularly after the end of the 2022 World Cup.
"He is playing in France, the country Argentina defeated to win the World Cup and where he was the best player. They would love to see Messi playing as he did in Qatar, but that is not what they are watching right now," Kempes concluded.
Recent reports state that PSG and Messi have ended all negotiations to see his contract extended, but anything can happen in the last two months of the season.
