PSG pushing to renew Messi's deal given possibility of him returning to Barca
The Argentine could leave the French club when his current deal expires in June
PSG have stepped up their efforts to try to close the renewal of Lionel Messi's contract once and for all in the face of the danger that the Argentine might decide to leave to return to Barcelona. The owners of PSG want Messi in their team after his victory in the World Cup and the Ballon d'Or and hope to reach an agreement for one season, although the first offer presented has not convinced the player. They understand that there is room for maneuver, but they are beginning to realise that it will not be easy for him to continue.
The Parisian club wanted to renew Messi once the World Cup was over. But it could not be. There was a second attempt just before the Champions League tie against Bayern and it was not possible to close and announce anything, either, and since then the negotiation has been out of control due to the continuous messages coming from Barcelona with the objective that Messi finishes his career at the highest level at the Camp Nou.
The rarefied atmosphere at PSG does not help either. The sporting project is floundering and the fans are getting on top of the players, so it is not at all comfortable to continue in Paris. From a sporting point of view, it is not at all clear how the Qataris' project is going to continue and Messi has doubts after two years in which he has not been able to compete in the Champions League. He knows that Barça want him and is waiting for developments.
It is true that PSG are counting on Messi for their next project and have made him aware of this. Kylian Mbappé also hopes that he will remain part of the team. Their relationship is good and of mutual respect and the Frenchman knows the quality of the Argentine. Furthermore, there is a clear commitment that Luis Campos, the club's sporting advisor, will build a new squad with the capacity to win all the titles. The cards are on the table and PSG will press from now on through its president, Nasser Al Khelaifi, who is personally leading the negotiations for the player's continuity.
Barça are waiting because it is clear to them that Messi would love to return to Barcelona, although so far it has been impossible to make him a firm offer to tempt him. Barça must solve the salary cap problems and quantify their efforts to bring him back. There is a lot of hope and Leo knows it, so he is waiting. PSG's objective, now, is to try to tie him down as soon as possible but it remains to be seen if they can make it possible. It would be a big blow for the PSG owners to see him return to Barcelona.
