Everyone wants Lionel Messi in their team, says PSG’s Leandro Paredes

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Leandro Paredes has again called on PSG to sign compatriot Lionel Messi, saying every club would love to have the him in their ranks.

Messi came close to leaving Barcelona in the summer after handing in a transfer request following the 8-2 demolition by Bayern in the Champions League.

He would ask to leave on a free transfer only for the club to refuse. Messi would eventually agree to stay for at least another year, but as of 1 January he is free to talk to other clubs after a summer move.

FootballTransfers previously reported that PSG were leading the race for his signature, with stories coming out of Paris that PSG that told official club merchandise vendors to prepare for the transfer.

When the rumours started about Messi moving to PSG, many figures at the club were asked and continue to be asked about it.

Paredes previously said Messi would be welcomed to PSG “with open arms”.

The midfielder has commented on the speculation again, and has urged PSG directors to convince the Barca superstars to make the switch.

“It’s natural that everyone wants Messi on their team, but it’s the role of [sporting director] Leonardo and the president [Nasser Al-Khelaifi] to make the decision to convince him to join us,” Paredes said.

“It’s also a decision for Leo Messi. He’ll choose the best for him but of course it would be great to have a player like him.”

Paredes has actually been linked with a move away from PSG, potentially to Inter, but he has played down the speculation, saying he is happy with the Ligue 1 side.

“I’ll stay here.” he insisted.

“I’m very happy in Paris, with the club, with my team-mates and the coach. I’m very happy and I will be staying in Paris for several more years.”

PSG recently appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, replacing Thomas Tuchel.