Transfer Centre

Lionel Messi hints at Paris Saint-Germain stay

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 07 March 2023

Lionel Messi hints that he is prepared to extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain past the expiration of his current contract, which expires at the end of the season.

Lionel Messi has suggested that he is no rush to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.

The Argentina international, who won the World Cup with his country earlier this campaign, has enjoyed a strong 2022-23, improving on his average opening year at Parc des Princes.

As many as 17 goals and 16 assists have come during his appearances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, although PSG face a fight to remain in the latter competition.

The French giants travel to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Bayern Munich to reach the quarter-finals.

As it stands, it is unclear whether the result of that fixture which influence Messi's decision regarding his future one way or another.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal with Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Ramos on March 4, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, speculation persists that the legendary attacker is prepared to entertain a transfer away from Parc des Princes at the end of June.

Former club Barcelona, MLS side Inter Miami and Saudi Arabia team Al Ittihad have all been linked with signing Messi on a free transfer.

However, the 35-year-old has told PSG's Youtube channel that he remains "comfortable" with life in the French capital.

Messi said: "The truth is I feel great. The first year I had a hard time adapting to Paris for different reasons.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Carlos Soler and Kylian Mbappe on February 19, 2023 © Reuters

"This season I started differently, with a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of desire. [I'm] more comfortable with the club, the city and everything that Paris means."

With regards to the clubs that have been linked with his signature, Barcelona are now only outsiders having been informed last week by La Liga president Javier Tebas that they must first raise £177m before being able to make additions during the summer transfer window.

Inter Miami have publicly acknowledged their interest, aware that Messi enjoys spending time in the city, while he previously been credited with an interest in playing in the United States.

Al Ittihad have emerged as an option for Messi with Cristiano Ronaldo having already made the switch to their rivals Al Nassr.