Paris Saint-Germain are preparing for the exits of both Lionel Messi and Neymar following a breakdown in dressing room relations, it has been claimed.
Neymar was involved in a heated dressing room clash on Saturday. PSG’s domestic slump of form continued with a limp 3-1 loss at Monaco in Ligue 1, leading to Neymar reportedly being highly critical of teammates Vitinha and Hugo Ekitike.
That breakdown came just weeks after defender Presnel Kimpembe confirmed he was “not made aware” of Kylian Mbappe having replaced him as the club’s vice-captain at the start of the campaign. Mbappe then sent a public message pleading for “unity” after Saturday’s latest fallout.
The latest developments of Neymar’s displeasure with two of his teammate come amid the Brazilian’s reported ongoing reported feud with attacking teammate Mbappe. The superstar duo fell out over the order of penalty-takers earlier this season in a Ligue 1 clash.
Former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was reportedly forced to step in to separate the feuding pair and boss Christophe Galtier staged a first-team meeting in which the two were rebuked. However, it increasingly appears to be an uneasy relationship with short-term measures to limit any fallout.
A report in Foot Mercato has now claimed that Messi and Neymar are both seeking exits from the Parc des Princes, in moves that would stun the club. Messi is in the final months of his two-year contract at the club, meaning he can speak to other clubs regarding a move as a free agent. Neymar is under contract until 2025.
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The news has the capability of rocking Galtier’s side on the eve of their potentially season-defining Champions League Round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich this week. The club are desperate for positive news after a slump in domestic form.
Last week saw their exit from the Coupe de France with a loss at Marseille while the league defeat at Monaco followed similar losses at Lens and Rennes, while also being held to a draw at home by Reims. They have suffered a post-World Cup slump in form.
Mbappe recently refused to commit his future to PSG following suggestions of an exit. "For now, a second World Cup," the France international said in November when quizzed over his alleged transfer request. "After that, I don't know." He has yet to provide an update on his future but the dressing room at the Parc des Princes appears to be far from a settled, happy one.
