PSG have complete verbal agreement with Lionel Messi over contract extension

Over the past month, it has become abundantly clear that former Barcelona captain and club legend Lionel Messi is likely to stay put at Paris Saint-Germain beyond the ongoing season.

The 35-year-old’s current contract with PSG stands to expire in the summer, resulting in speculations over his future beyond 2022/23.

A return to Barcelona had been mooted heavily, especially with president Joan Laporta not hiding his desire about wanting to bring Messi back to the club after his shock exit in 2021.

There were talks of a potential transfer to the MLS as well, where David Beckham’s Inter Miami were waiting eagerly to land the Argentina captain.

But, soon after he led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup triumph, reports emerged that Messi had an agreement in principle with PSG that would see him remain at Parc des Princes beyond this season.

And Fabrizio Romano has reaffirmed the same development, stating that Messi and PSG have a verbal pact to continue together for a longer duration.

And Romano has added that soon enough there will be a new meeting between the Argentine skipper’s entourage and the club officials to finalise the details of the contract such as the duration of the new deal, salary, and more.

After completing his holidays following the World Cup triumph, Messi returned to Paris this week and is expected to play when Les Parisiens face Angers on January 11.

However, as Romano clarifies, Messi will not be signing a new contract with PSG this week itself. There is no hurry from either party over the matter though as they are clear that the 2022 World Cup winner will not be leaving the club in the summer.

In 19 appearances this season for PSG, Messi has scored 12 goals and set up 14 more. He enjoyed a stellar run in the World Cup as well, winning the Golden Ball and finishing as the second-highest goalscorer.

If he continues in the same vein of form over the next five months, Ballon d’Or #8 could be well within reach.

As for Barcelona, any hopes of a reunion with the greatest player to have represented the club are fading away very quickly.