With his contract in France expiring in 2023, there has reportedly been a fresh development in the future of Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi, who has been linked with a return to Barcelona.
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According to French publication L'Equipe, the Ligue 1 champions are hoping to open contract discussions with the 35-year-old as an urgent matter ahead of the expiration of his deal at the end of the season.
It is believed that the club envision holding on to the Argentina captain for at least an extra year, with his current contract in France said to include the option of an extension should both parties agree to one.
Sporting director Luis Campos is reportedly interested in sitting down with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in the hope of striking an agreement, although it continues to be reported that Messi will only entertain talks over his future after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
This comes following reports that Barcelona are determined to take Messi back to the Camp Nou after his shock departure in 2021. Despite his intentions to remain at the Catalan club at the time, Barca president Joan Laporta decided it would be impossible to offer him a new deal due to the side's financial issues.
Messi returned from holiday after winning the 2021 Copa America with his country with the belief that his future would be resolved between his agents and Barcelona, only for the club to seemingly reverse their decision to keep him at all costs.
Days later, the veteran playmaker signed a two-year contract with PSG in France, and, following a difficult and complicated debut season, appears to have found his feet in Paris.
The six-time European Golden Shoe winner has contributed to 11 goals in nine outings so far in this campaign under new manager Christophe Galtier.
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, recently echoed the sentiment that Messi will wait until the turn of the year to think about his options, with the World Cup in Qatar currently his main priority.
Leo Messi will not make any decision on his future in the next weeks or months. Focused on Paris Saint-Germain and then World Cup, nothing will be decided or planned before the World Cup. ?????? #PSG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 13, 2022
Despite PSG new deal plans and Barça interest, Leo will not proceed before 2023. pic.twitter.com/jS4OtCRWWt
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