Lionel Messi’s future has been a topic of much debate among fans in recent months. The 35-year-old’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season.
It has given way to speculation that a return to Barcelona could be on the cards for the seven-time Ballon d’Or, while there have been talks of a move to MLS club Inter Miami.
However, of late, there have been a lot of reports suggesting that Messi might decide to continue at PSG beyond the ongoing campaign.
And, speaking in a recent interview, Les Parisiens’ president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, stated that the Argentina captain is very happy with the club and could remain at Parc des Princes for a longer duration.
Al-Khelaifi also confirmed that contract negotiations will take place once the World Cup is over.
I confirm a thousand times that Leo Mesi is very happy with PSG. I think he wants to stay,” Al-Khelaifi said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. “We will discuss after the World Cup,” he added.
Messi left Barcelona for PSG last year after the Catalan giants were unable to renew his contract due to financial complications.
Having made a slow start to life in France, the 35-year-old has been back to his best this year. Prior to the World Cup, Messi bagged 12 goals and 14 assists from 19 matches across all competitions.
And, he has been starring for the Argentine national team at the World Cup in Qatar, with five goals and three assists from six matches, leading the Albiceleste to the finals.
The matter of his future will likely be discussed once the World Cup is out of the way this weekend. PSG are reportedly ready to table a two-year contract offer to keep Messi at the club.
Given Barcelona’s financial situation as well as the fractured relationship between Messi and president Joan Laporta, a return to Camp Nou looks unlikely at this point.