Lionel Messi: Major update on World Cup winner's PSG future

Stuart Telford

• 10 Mar 2023 09:42 GMT
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi is yet to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain as rumours of a move to Barcelona, Inter Miami or Newell's Old Boys persist…

Speculation that Messi might depart PSG at the conclusion of his contract next summer has only heightened following the club's exit from the Champions League last 16 at the hands of Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

But according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, Messi's first choice is to remain in the French capital - although there are caveats.

READ: 'Disappears completely!' - Messi slammed for PSG disrespect

'Agreement in principle'

"The agreement in principle for Messi now has to be confirmed in writing and in details - wages, length of contract. He is listening and would continue if conditions are right," Belague told the BBC.

"As usual, I imagine there will be demands, above all one in particular - that PSG continue being a competitive team."

Messi would like to add a fifth Champions League to his collection and Paris could be his most viable path to that end, despite their disappointing recent record at European football's top table.

READ: Messi's father met with Barcelona about a return

Barca have admitted to talks with Messi's father and agent Jorge, but with the Blaugrana needing to reduce their debt by €200 million, a return to the club he made his name at is unlikely.

David Beckham's Inter Miami are closer to home while Newell's Old Boys are based in Messi's native Rosario. Miami manager Phil Neville has publicly courted Messi while the player's old friend and Argentina teammate Sergio Aguero claimed Newell's was a done deal.

Messi, a record seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, collected the biggest missing trophy from his cabinet in December as he fired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar with seven goals and three assists.

But it would appear that, unlike career rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi will continue at a Champions League club for now. Miami and Newell's will have to wait.