According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Lionel Messi will not leave Paris Saint-Germain in January despite reports of interest from Barcelona..
The 35-year-contract old’s in Paris is set to expire in June, but the Ligue 1 champions have the option of extending it for another 12 months until June 2024.
Barcelona is still heavily linked with their former player, and according to a recent report, the Catalan club is ready to explore the possibility of re-signing him at the start of 2023..
However, Jacobs believes there is “no truth” to reports that Xavi’s team may bring the Argentina international back to Camp Nou in the middle of the season.
According to the journalist, Messi will decide on his future after the 2022 World Cup, but he will not leave PSG in January even if he decides not to renew his current contract..
Messi has been in fine form for the French champions this season, scoring 12 goals and registering 13 assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.
In four Champions League appearances, the forward has four goals and three assists, while in 11 appearances in France’s top flight, he has seven goals and ten assists..
Messi’s departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with the Catalan club unable to sign him to a new contract due to financial difficulties.
The club’s president, Joan Laporta, has repeatedly stated his desire to bring the South American back to Camp Nou before the end of his career.
In 777 appearances for Barcelona, Messi scored 672 goals and registered 302 assists, winning 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four Champions League trophies.
Barcelona’s financial difficulties will make taking on the forward’s wages difficult, but Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets could all leave at some point next year..
Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, and Ferran Torres are among the players thought to be available in 2023 for the right price.
“With Leo, we’ll see, but now isn’t the time to discuss it.” You are aware of my feelings for him. “He is a friend, and I will always wish him the best,” Barcelona manager Xavi said recently when asked about a possible return for his former teammate.
“Barcelona is his home, but we’re not doing him any favors by talking about [his future].” Let us leave him alone to enjoy his time in Paris and send him our best wishes.
Messi scored once and assisted once in PSG’s 4-3 Ligue 1 win over Troyes on Saturday Afternoon..
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