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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly set to play Lionel Messi in a different position come next season as the club undergoes restructuring with the anticipated arrival of a new manager. PSG have also let go of their former sporting director Leonardo and appointed Luis Campos as football advisor.
Messi, 34, shocked the football world when he left Barcelona for PSG last summer following the expiration of his contract.
The Argentinian icon endured a somewhat difficult debut season at the Parc des Princes, taking time to adapt to the change in settings.
Messi was predominantly used on the right-hand side of PSG's attack under Mauricio Pochettino last season, making 34 appearances, scoring 11 goals and contributing 15 assists across competitions.
But FootMercato (via PSGTalk) reports that the Argentine may be used as a No. 10 heading into next season, with Luis Campos looking to bring in Christophe Galtier as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement.
The OGC Nice coach continues to be linked with the Parc des Princes job; The Athletic reports the Parisians' are looking to appoint him within the next week.
Campos reportedly wants to implement a 3-5-2 formation with Galtier in charge that will see Messi move into a No. 10 role.
The 3-5-2 formation was used by Pochettino just once last season, with Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria used as the two main centre-forwards.
PSG won that game 3-0 against Angers but the formation was not used outside of that victory. However, Messi was not part of the PSG squad for the game.
With Messi being used as an attacking midfielder, it gives the former Barcelona star license to roam.
Lionel Messi could excel in a new role for PSG
Lionel Messi has already vowed to return to his usual best come next season after a year of adaptation to life in the French capital.
He told TyC Sports in this regard:
"I know that this year is going to be different, I'm already prepared for what's to come, I know the club, I know the city, I'm a little more comfortable with the dressing room, with my teammates and I know it's going to be different".
With a full pre-season under his belt where he can be trialled in his new position as an attacking midfielder, the Argentinian may reignite his club form for the Ligue 1 champions.
Messi is now in the latter stages of his career but has shown on countless occasions how he can run things for both club and country. His inspired form for his national side saw La Albiceleste triumph over Italy in La Finalissima on June 1.
With the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in attack, Lionel Messi can roam the park whilst picking out the two star forwards.
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski may also be an option come next season, with Footmercato reporting that the Ligue 1 champions are working on a potential deal.
