Messi preference emerges as PSG accelerate contract talks amid Saudi speculation

14 January 2023 , 06:08

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Lionel Messi scored in his first game back after the World Cup (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi is believed to be close to extending his stay at Paris Saint-Germain, despite reports of a mega-money offer from Saudi Arabia.

Messi's long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo has already completed a move to the gulf state, joining Al-Nassr in a deal thought to be worth a massive £173m per year to the Portugal international. The 37-year-old insisted his work in Europe was done, having left Manchester United in November before making his switch to the Saudi Pro League.

However, the situation with Messi is different. The World Cup winner has been enjoying a fruitful second season with Paris Saint-Germain after winning the Ligue 1 title in his first year in France, and the league leaders remain keen to keep him on board.

According to BBC Sport, an official offer from Al-Hilal has yet to arrive. The publication also suggests talks between Messi and PSG are expected in the coming weeks.

During the World Cup, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi confirmed player and club had an agreement to talk after the tournament ended. While that was no guarantee of an extension to the initial two-year deal the Argentine signed upon joining from Barcelona in 2021, Al-Khelaifi was confident of keeping the veteran.

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While Messi is yet to sign on the dotted line, Guillem Balague has told the BBC the player's "intention" is to stay in Europe. "He is favourite to win the Ballon d'Or, he is still in the Champions League, he has big targets after winning the World Cup," Balague explained. "Not only does it make no sense to approach him with that offer, it hasn't existed."

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Messi is set for fresh talks with PSG (AFP via Getty Images)

“Will we keep Messi and Mbappe? Of course," Al-Khelaifi said after the pair both starred in the World Cup final in Qatar. Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the final to end the competition as top scorer, but Messi was crowned champion after two goals of his own at Lusail Stadium.

"They are the two best players in the World Cup. I don't want to say anything more about Leo, we have an agreement to talk after the World Cup,” the club president added.

After being handed an extended break in the aftermath of his victory, Messi returned to club action on January 11. The former Barcelona star scored in a 2-0 victory over Angers which kept PSG six points clear at the top of Ligue 1.

Christophe Galtier's team are back in Champions League action on February 14, having only finished second in their group despite going unbeaten over six games. They will take on Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 2020 final, seeking revenge after Kingsley Coman scored Bayern's winner in Lisbon.

Tom Victor