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Paris Saint-Germain 'still want Lionel Messi to stay this summer'

PSG 'still want Lionel Messi to stay this summer'
© Reuters
Paris Saint-Germain reportedly leave the door open for Lionel Messi to extend his stay at the Parc des Princes.

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly left the door open for Lionel Messi to remain in the French capital.

Messi is out of contract at the end of the season, and as it stands, he will be able to leave the Parc des Princes on a free transfer.

Discussions over a new deal started at the end of last year, but Messi wanted to wait until after the 2022 World Cup to make a decision on his future.

The French champions were willing to give Messi time to consider his options while warning the Argentine that they could withdraw their offer and look for potential replacements if he took too long to accept their contract proposal.

A recent report indicated that PSG and Messi are expected to go their separate ways at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

Lionel Messi in action for Paris Saint-Germain on November 2, 2022© Reuters

However, according to The Times, PSG's Qatari owners still want to retain Messi's services, and they have left the door open for him to extend his stay.

The report suggests that the Argentina international is yet to inform the club whether he wishes to remain in the French capital or leave when his contract expires.

Messi and his family are keen to return to Barcelona, but the La Liga club need to improve their financial situation to meet Spanish football's financial fair play rules.

Barcelona reportedly need to slash their budget by an estimated €200m (£177.2m) to be able to re-sign the World Cup winner.

Messi is understood to have an offer on the table from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who have tabled an unprecedented contract proposal believed to be worth €400m (£353.7m) net over two years.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal on March 23, 2023© Reuters

However, the 35-year-old has reservations about moving to the Saudi Pro League after taking note of Cristiano Ronaldo's difficulties in adjusting to life at Al-Nassr.

There is also the option of moving to MLS, with Inter Miami keen to bring Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets to the United States.

If he were to join the franchise that is co-owned by David Beckham, then all 30 MLS clubs would contribute to his salary.

Messi recently apologised after he was given a two-week internal suspension by PSG for missing a scheduled training session to fly to Saudi Arabia for a commercial engagement.

Since joining PSG in 2021, Messi has scored 31 goals and provided 34 assists in 71 appearances across all competitions.

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Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023
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2GironaGirona35236675443175
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico35224964392570
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Villarreal35139135960-148
9Valencia34138133739-247
10Getafe351013124148-743
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna35117173953-1440
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca35714142840-1235
16Celta Vigo35810174053-1334
17Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
18CadizCadiz35514162449-2529
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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