Despite rumors that Barcelona manager Xavi was planning to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou, the PSG star seemed likely to extend his stay in the French capital.
Before departing Barcelona in 2020, Messi had spent his whole career there and had amassed a record-breaking 672 goals for the club. His first season with PSG, however, was a complete failure as he finished the year with just 11 goals, his lowest individual total in more than 15 years.
The possibility of the Argentine’s return to Catalunya has intensified as a result of his failure to make the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
Even Xavi’s remarks about a reunion might not be sufficient to close the deal, given the two players were Messi’s teammates for a number of Champions League and La Liga victories.
Messi has a contract with PSG that extends until the summer of 2023. This season in Ligue 1, he has three goals and a league-high seven assists. Additionally, recent sources indicate that PSG is eager to utilize the option to extend his contract by a further year.
The 35-year-old is ready to represent Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, where he will be eager to build on his nation’s success in the 2021 Copa America by winning another significant championship.
Messi’s present position is that he must wait until 2023, following the World Cup, before making any decisions about his future.
