manager Christophe Galtier has confirmed will , bringing the curtain down on his two year stay in the French capital.
The 35 year-old, who was suspended by after an in May, had the option of signing a one year contract extension at the club but both parties have elected against extending their relationship.
Messi’s availability could spark a huge transfer battle between some of the biggest and wealthiest clubs on the planet.
Here’s a look at some of the most likely candidates for his signature.
Barcelona
A move home to Barcelona, where Messi scored 672 goals and won 34 trophies during his 21 year spell, would be the romantic option for many people in the game.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made no secret of his desire to return Messi to the Camp Nou and he has .
Former teammate Xavi, who is now the club’s manager, has about a return.
However, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona can afford the deal, with the club expected to be ordered to slash their wage bill by around £175m for next season.
Al-Hilal
Messi had reportedly back in May, although the speculation was .
Any deal would likely involve state involvement from the Saudi government, with Messi already the highest profile ambassador for the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Messi’s arrival in the Kingdom would see him go head-to-head with , with Al-Hilal regarded as the biggest rival of the Portuguese’s club Al-Nassr.
Beyond the obvious financial appeal of having in their league, Saudi Arabia would likely take great delight at snatching Messi away from PSG’s Qatari owners, with the two countries having long-standing tension between them.
Manchester City
It’s scary to think the Premier League champions could get even better.
Defenders and goalkeepers up and down the league would surely tremble at the prospect of Messi linking up with .
Messi has yet to play in English football, but a first foray to these shores would see him reunite with Pep Guardiola, with whom the Argentine played some of the best football of his career at Barcelona.
City, who would certainly be able to afford Messi’s wage demands, were heavily linked with the player before he moved to PSG two years ago.
Inter Miami
A potential transfer to the MLS wouldn’t be the first time a legendary South American star would have made the move to America, following in the footsteps of Pele who moved to New York Cosmos at the twilight of his career in the 1970s.
When asked about the possibility of Messi rocking up in Florida, manager Phil Neville said: ‘I think it goes bigger than Inter Miami. I think it’s in MLS. It’s big for the MLS. I think this would be probably the biggest signing ever in American sports.’
Messi has been , with suggestions he could even acquire a stake in the club alongside co-owner David Beckham.
Florida already has a special place in Messi’s heart, with his family frequent visitors to The Sunshine State on holiday.
Newell’s Old Boys
A return to Newells’s Old Boys in Argentina would represent an emotional homecoming for Messi, who joined the club’s academy as a six year-old.
During his six year spell at Newell’s, Messi scored almost 500 goals for the infamous, near-unbeatable youth team that was affectionately dubbed the ‘Machine of 87’ – after the year the players were born.
Whilst at Barcelona, Messi addressed the possibility of one day returning to his first ever professional club.
He said: ‘In Argentina, I would like to play six months or some games in Newell’s. When I was little I had a dream to play in the Colossus. I was left with the thorn of playing on Newell’s court.’
Messi’s former national teammate Maxi Rodriguez poured further fuel on the fire by saying earlier this year: ‘He [Messi] is seriously considering the possibility of playing for Newell’s.’
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