Lionel Messi 'will not leave Paris Saint-Germain in January amid Barcelona talk'

Lionel Messi will not be leaving Paris Saint-Germain in January amid suggestions of interest from Barcelona, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The 35-year-old's contract in the French capital is due to expire next June, although the Ligue 1 champions have the option of extending the deal for a further 12 months until June 2024.

Barcelona continue to be heavily linked with their former player, and a recent report claimed that the Catalan outfit were ready to explore the possibility of re-signing him at the start of 2023.

However, according to Jacobs, there is "no truth" to suggestions that Xavi's team could bring the Argentina international back to Camp Nou in the middle of the campaign.

The journalist claims that Messi will make a decision on his future after the 2022 World Cup, but he will not leave PSG in January even if he decides against renewing his current deal.

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Messi has been in impressive form for the French champions during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 12 goals and registering 13 assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.

The forward has four goals and three assists in four Champions League appearances, while he has managed seven goals and 10 assists in 11 outings in France's top flight.

Messi's departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 sent shockwaves around the world of football, with the Catalan outfit unable to sign him to a new contract due to their financial problems.

However, the club's president Joan Laporta has consistently spoken of his desire to bring the South American back to Camp Nou before the end of his career.

Messi scored 672 goals and registered 302 assists in 777 appearances for Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey crowns and four Champions League trophies.

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Barcelona's financial problems will make it difficult for them to take on the forward's wages, but Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets could all move on at some stage next year.

Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay and Ferran Torres are among the players believed to be available for the right price in 2023.

"With Leo, let's see, but it's not the moment to talk about it right now. You know the love I have for him. He is a friend and I will always wish him the best," Barcelona boss Xavi recently told reporters when asked about a potential return for his former teammate.

"Barca is his home, but we're not doing him any favours speaking about [his future], either. Let's leave him in peace to enjoy his time in Paris and wish him all the best."

Messi scored once and provided an assist in PSG's 4-3 win over Troyes in Ligue 1 on Saturday afternoon.