Lionel Messi on warpath with PSG as he tells Kylian Mbappe to leave for Barcelona or Real Madrid in brutal parting shot before Inter Miami move

• Argentine leaving France as free agent
• Chasing American dream with MLS move
• Superstar forward linked with La Liga giants

WHAT HAPPENED? The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has bid his own farewells to Parc des Princes, with the Argentine icon revealing that he will be heading to the United States for a fresh start with MLS side Inter Miami. Messi is moving to America as a free agent, with the decision taken not to extend another contract in Europe.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: There has been talk of Mbappe heading in a similar direction, with the France international revealing that he will not be triggering a clause in his terms that would keep him on PSG’s books until 2025. The 24-year-old forward is now being heavily linked with Real Madrid once again – having come close to joining them in each of the last two years.

AND WHAT'S MORE: According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Messi has urged Mbappe to sever ties with PSG. He is said to have told a talented colleague that may one day follow in his footsteps as a Golden Ball winner: “I prefer that you go to Barca. But if you want to go to Madrid, do it, you deserve a real winning project.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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Getty Images

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WHAT NEXT? Mbappe is now PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer – while there are five Ligue 1 titles and three French Cups on his domestic roll of honour – but the 2018 World Cup winner has been unable to land an elusive Champions League crown and may need to leave his homeland in order to conquer European football.