‘We’ve agreed to discuss after World Cup’ – PSG chief opens up on Lionel Messi transfer future with contract talks ahead
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed that plans are in place to discuss Lionel Messi’s future with the club.
The forward is currently at the World Cup with Argentina and has been a key player for his side in reaching the quarter-finals.
Messi has scored three goals and assisted one in his four appearances so far.
However, after the tournament, the 35-year-old will have to make a key decision about his future.
Messi’s contract with the Ligue 1 club expires at the end of the season, and PSG are keen for him to extend his stay in the French capital.
Al-Khelaifi has insisted that the former Barcelona star is “very happy” at the Parc des Princes and that talks will take place after the World Cup.
He told Sky Argentina: “We’ve agreed together to discuss after the World Cup but both parties are very happy.
“He is very happy at PSG, you can see that with the national team — he has played fantastically this season for us.”
He is right, on a domestic level this campaign Messi has been brilliant for PSG as he has scored 12 goals and assisted 14 more in only 19 appearances in all competitions.
Messi has formed part of a brilliant attacking trio along with France star Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian Neymar.
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He joined PSG on a two-year deal after having to leave Barcelona at the expiry of his contract in 2020.
Despite all parties wanting to agree to a new deal, the club’s financial position meant that they could not afford to pay his wages.
This was down to Spanish La Liga financial regulations and that the club were at their spending limit.
Rumours have started to circulate around the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future due to his expiring contract.
Messi has been heavily linked with a move to David Beckham’s MLS franchise Inter Miami, a switch that would see him play under manager Phil Neville.
Barcelona are also believed to be interested in resigning their legendary player but due to their financial constraints, would have to be careful about the contract that they put forward to him.
Another club that has been long linked with a move for Messi is his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys.
The Argentine club was Messi’s home for six years in his youth career before he switched to Spain.