In less than 24 hours, Lionel Messi will perhaps play the biggest match of his illustrious career when Argentina take on France in the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The 35-year-old icon has confirmed that this will be his last World Cup, meaning Sunday’s match will be his final opportunity to add that one trophy that has eluded him throughout his legendary career.
While all the focus is on Qatar ahead of the final tomorrow, there is also the matter of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s club future that has been dominating headlines for a while.
After all, Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire at the end of the 2022/23 season. Given the manner of his exit from Barcelona in 2021, there is a sense of unfinished business at Spotify Camp Nou, which has led to rumours of a potential return next summer.
At the same time, Messi has also been linked with a move to MLS club Inter Miami, with some reports even advancing that the franchise, co-owned by David Beckham, might be the favourites to land the Argentina captain.
However, an extension with PSG has seemingly emerged as the likeliest possibility of late. And according to Fabrizio Romano, Les Parisiens will table a fresh contract proposal to Messi in the next few weeks.
The Ligue 1 champions are intent on keeping the 35-year-old former Barcelona captain at the club for at least one more year. In fact, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi recently claimed that he believes Messi is happy at the club and will stay put at Parc des Princes.
At the same time, Romano clarifies that there have been approaches made by Inter Miami, but there is nothing agreed upon between Messi and the MLS outfit at this point.
As for Barcelona, manager Xavi is said to be pushing for a reunion with his former teammate.
However, the Blaugrana’s chances of re-signing the club legend have been weakened by their Financial Fair Play issues. The Catalans are in desperate need to trim down their wage bill and it is uncertain whether they can afford Messi’s salary given the situation.
So, as things stand, an extended stay at PSG seems the most likely outcome as far as Messi’s future is concerned. The 35-year-old is expected to take a final decision on the matter in 2023.