KEY POINTS

  • Lionel Messi has netted 12 goals and 14 assists for PSG
  • Messi is currently in Argentina celebrating his World Cup win
  • Messi's current contract with PSG is due to expire next summer

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly planning to tie Lionel Messi down to a new contract ahead of the January transfer window.

Messi's current deal with PSG is due to expire at the end of the 2022-23 season. If PSG don't reach an agreement before the end of this year, Messi would be free to hold contract talks with other clubs from Jan. 1.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi attended the World Cup final, which Messi-led Argentina won by beating France in the final in Qatar. While congratulating the former FC Barcelona star, Al-Khelaifi offered him an invitation to discuss his future this week, reported Goal.com.

The Ligue club already has an offer in place for Messi, who is expected to receive a new two-year deal, but his salary would remain roughly the same.

FC Barcelona, on the other hand, are closely monitoring Messi's contract situation in Paris as the La Liga giants are aiming to bring their former superstar back home, according to Marca.com.

Barcelona's president Joan Laporta, who promised during his election campaign that he would try everything to keep Messi at Barcelona, knows that he failed Barcelona by letting Messi go and he is expected to go all out to rectify his mistake.

Messi parted ways with his boyhood club and joined PSG as a free agent in the summer of 2021. However, the Argentinian skipper had a slow start to his new life in Paris, scoring just 11 goals and assisting 15 in 34 appearances. Messi bounced back this season.

The 35-year-old forward has already netted 12 goals and 14 assists in 19 competitive matches for PSG, with the second half of the 2022-23 campaign yet to be played.

Lionel Messi celebrates after putting Argentina ahead from the penalty spot
AFP

PSG reportedly want Messi to stay with them as he, along with Kylian Mbappe, will continue to attract sponsors to the club, while also putting their name in the frame for Champions League and Ballon d'Or honors.

Messi, who finally won the World Cup on his fifth attempt, is currently in Argentina, celebrating the massive victory with his countrymen.

Lionel Messi