admin
LONDON. — Lionel Messi is set to extend his contract at Paris Saint-Germain after winning the FIFA World Cup — after previously being on the cusp of agreeing a deal with Inter Miami.
The Argentinian superstar was widely reported to be set to move to the Major League Soccer in the United States with his deal in the French capital expiring at the end of this season.
But he put his club future to one side to focus on the World Cup, which he duly won in Qatar last weekend.
In the immediate aftermath of the game, PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi outlined his desire to keep Messi at the Parc des Princes. And Le Parisien now report Messi has agreed a new deal until 2024 to remain with the French Ligue 1 champions.
After the World Cup final, Al-Khelaifi told RMC Sport : “Keep Mbappé and Messi? Of course, one is the top scorer and the other is best player in the World Cup.
“I don’t want to say anything for Leo, we had an agreement to talk after the World Cup.”
The 35-year-old is currently in Argentina celebrating their FIFA World Cup success having played an instrumental role in Qatar.
Messi’s contract with PSG was due to expire next year and Barcelona have been keen to bring the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner back to Camp Nou.
The Argentine has also been heavily linked with a move to Major League Soccer next summer.
However, Le Parisien reports that Messi has now reached an initial agreement with PSG to remain in Paris for one more year.
The report claims that Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, met with PSG’s hierarchy during the World Cup in Qatar where an agreement in principle was finalised.
It’s also claimed that Messi and his family are happy in Paris, while the forward believes remaining at PSG gives him a strong chances of more success in the Champions League.
Le Parisien also report that Messi still has “resentment” towards Barcelona’s hierarchy following his shock departure last year. Barcelona blamed their financial troubles for their inability to agree a new contract with Messi, who ended up joining PSG as a free agent.
Messi was booed by PSG’s fans towards the end of his first season with the French club following their elimination at the hands of Real Madrid at the last-16 stage in the Champions League.
However, the 35-year-old has been in sublime form for PSG this season, with 11 goals and 14 assists before the World Cup break.
It was no secret that PSG were looking to extend the contract of Messi, who has kicked-on and enjoyed a stunning season in France after a difficult debut campaign. He was also linked with a return to Barcelona whilst Inter Miami held numerous meetings with Messi’s father and were confident of agreeing a deal.
PSG chief Al-Khelaifi also told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Kylian has just signed a new contract, and Leo’s lasts at least until the end of the season. Both, but in reality all of our players, are happy to play for PSG. Their most recent performances prove it, even before the World Cup.
“No decision on Messi’s contract will be made until next year. Club and player will do what is right and in the best interests of both parties. We are all very happy right now, which is great.” News of Messi’s new deal at PSG serves as a blow to David Beckham and his Inter Miami franchise, having reportedly been “confident” of signing Messi and making him the highest-paid player in the MLS.— The Mirror
Online Reporter