Lionel Messi could have just played his last ever Champions League game at the Camp Nou.- It isn't a game he will want to remember, however, if he leaves the Barcelona this summer.
- Ronald Koeman's side was beaten 4-1 by Paris Saint Germain courtesy of a stunning Kylian Mbappe hat-trick.
Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona were humbled by Paris Saint Germain and Kylian Mbappe on Tuesday night, in what may prove to be the Argentine's last ever Champions League game at the Camp Nou.
Mbappe, 22, scored a stunning hat-trick as the French champion beat Barcelona 4-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Messi scored Barca's only goal of the night from the penalty spot, while Everton loanee Moise Kean hit PSG's other goal.
The resounding Champions League defeat for Barca was the second of its kind within the space of of six months.
The Catalan club was beaten 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal of last season's competition in August. Shortly afterwards Messi announced his desire to leave the club by handing in a transfer request.
Though he ultimately opted to stay for the 2020/21 season and thus see out the remainder of his contract, the 33-year-old has yet to put pen to paper on a deal and is free to leave this summer.
PSG is thought to be among the front runners for Messi's signature, although it still isn't certain whether he will choose to leave, or sign a new contract.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué recently told Insider that Messi's decision as to whether he stays or goes will likely depend on how the rest of the season plays out.
Though the defeat to PSG was damning, Ronald Koeman's side have not lost in the Spanish top flight since early December.
"Messi hasn't decided, which is interesting because a lot of people assume that he's definitely, definitely going and that hasn't happened yet," said Balague.
"A lot of it will depend on what happens this season. If you look back, Barcelona haven't beat Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, or Sevilla since 2019, which perhaps suggests they have dropped too far down to be a team that is competitive.
"But, the way [this season] is going, it could actually end up completely different. If it ends up well, then you may Messi deciding to stay."
PSG welcome Barcelona to the Parc des Princes for the second leg on March 10.
Barring a miracle comeback, it could be Messi's last Champions League for Barca.