Paris Saint-Germain are determined to keep Lionel Messi and are convinced he will sign a new contract with them.
The 35-year-old, now a World Cup winner following Argentina’s victory over France in the 2022 final last weekend, is out of contract at the end of the season and PSG want him to complete a new deal.
PSG are willing to offer Messi a new long-term contract. But as it stands, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is believed to be unwilling to commit for more than 18 months.
Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami have already made moves to convince Messi to join them in Florida, he is likely to stay in Europe for the next two seasons.
Barcelona have made it known to Messi that they would like him back. 90min understands his family and advisers have encouraged him to consider the option – but the main issue is Messi’s relationship with president Joan Laporta, which has soured when he leaves Camp Nou in 2021.
Laporta himself has since openly sought to lure Messi back, reiterating that point this week after the player lifted the World Cup trophy.
“Messi is the best player of all time. He’s a Barça fan, his heart beats for Barça, so the ties are normal,” Laporta told BarçaTV. “Will Messi come back? He’s a PSG player. We’d love to have Leo back here one day, but we’ll see. ”
However, PSG believe Messi will return to the French capital next month after a short break and instead put pen to paper with them.