Paris Saint-Germain and Lionel Messi have finally reached an agreement on a contract extension. A verbal agreement is said to be in place for the 35-year-old to continue with the Ligue 1 giants, putting an end to speculations of a return to Barcelona and momentarily halting a purported move to MLS side Inter Miami.
Messi's future has been a subject of discussion since the turn of the year with his contract expiring at the end of this season. Up until Wednesday, the former Barcelona superstar did not give anything away regarding where be playing next season, insisting that he will only make a decision after the World Cup. On Sunday, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner guided Argentina to the trophy, beating France on 4-2 penalties to clinch their third title.
Having successfully achieved his biggest dream with his homeland, Messi has now moved to sort out his future and has agreed to stay at PSG beyond his initial two-year deal. According to Le Parisien's report on Wednesday, an agreement was reached with the player's father Jorge Messi, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup's best player is expected to stay in Paris for at least a year.
MLS club Inter Miami will now be required to wait in their efforts to recruit to the player while a return to Barcelona is said to be completely off the table. According to transfer news guru Fabrizio Romano, the Catalans and the representatives never met to begin talks for their revered No.10's return. The financial situation of the club is said to have also played a role in Messi's decision to stay at PSG as they still cannot afford to pay his wages.
Leo Messi never accepted Inter Miami proposal or negotiated with Barcelona. He was approached by both clubs but it was never advanced #Messi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2022
Paris Saint-Germain have been pushing for months will president, board, coach to extend his contract — he has now accepted. pic.twitter.com/g1Rh0i9jEW
