EXCLUSIVE: Messi's priority is PSG renewal, not Barcelona return

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 21 Feb 2023 17:01 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Lionel Messi’s priority remains signing a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentine has not spoken to any other clubs, FootballTransfers understands.

Sources close to Messi have told us that the 35-year-old is only in discussions with PSG, despite rumours of a return to Barcelona or a transfer to the MLS.

Messi’s current deal at the Parc des Princes is set to expire this summer, but steps have already been taken to extend his contract in the French capital.

READ: Ronaldo v Messi: How their stats, goals & assists compare in 2022/23

FootballTransfers are told that Messi has recently conducted his first in-person meeting with Luis Campos, PSG’s technical advisor, regarding an extended deal. An agreement was not reached in the pair’s first meeting but talks remain open.

Conversations between Messi and PSG will continue in the coming weeks, with the salary and length of the deal still needing to be agreed. Furthermore, PSG’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window will also be discussed.

However, FootballTransfers can confirm that PSG are currently the only club in talks with Messi and the Parisians have begun in-person negotiations with the player. In addition, Messi views an extended stay in Paris as his priority.

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Barcelona return off the cards?

Since departing the club on a free transfer in 2021, Messi has constantly been linked with a return to Barcelona.

The club legend left Camp Nou after his contract expired in July 2021, with the Blaugrana unable to offer him a new deal. He joined PSG just over a month later, despite rumours of a transfer to Manchester City to be reunited with Pep Guardiola.

It has been widely reported that Barcelona would like the Argentine forward to return, but Messi’s father, Jorge, recently admitted that he has not spoken to Joan Laporta since his son left Barcelona to join PSG.

Furthermore, FootballTransfers are told that Barcelona are yet to enter negotiations with Messi over a return to the club.

Messi, who lifted the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, has scored 16 goals and provided 14 assists in 27 PSG appearances so far this season.