Lionel Messi has been offered a deal to stay at Paris Saint-Germain beyond this summer, with the club’s sporting director Luis Campos revealing talks have taken place to extend the Argentine star’s contract.
Messi has been linked with a number of clubs, with a decision to return to Barcelona an option, while Inter Miami could present an attractive package for Messi to move to MLS. David Beckham owns the Florida franchise and having failed to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, it could be Messi he will target next.
“It has to be Messi,” Beckham told ESPN Argentina last week when asked in an interview to name who he most enjoys watching play. “I love Leo for many different reasons. I love him because he’s a great dad. I like him because he is a great personality, a character. He’s a great person.
“But I think what everyone loves about him is the way he plays the game. He plays the game with passion. He plays the game for free as he plays. And I still think about that past World Cup. I think the way he played for his team, for his country, and winning this World Cup was an incredible moment for him. And I love watching players like him.
However, having struggled to recreate his best form in his first season in France, Messi has shown this year why he is still one of the best players in the world and remains an elite player for Europe’s top clubs. His ten goals and ten assists in Ligue 1 this season underscores his importance to PSG and as a result, Campos has confirmed that talks have taken place over a new deal.
Campos told French Outlet Telefoot on Sunday: “At the moment we are negotiating with Messi for his renewal.” The 35-year-old’s contract has been overtaken in value by that of Kylian Mbappe since his arrival and any new deal could be negotiated to put the pair on an equal footing for the rest of his time in Paris.
“I would love to keep him in the draft, I can’t hide that,” Campos admitted. “We are negotiating to achieve this goal and for it to continue with us.”
It hasn’t been a perfect season for PSG, who failed to top their Champions League group. However, Ligue 1 looks likely to be won again, with the Paris side currently top of the table, eight points clear of second-placed Marseille.
