Messi exit rumours a ‘diversion tactic’ by Barcelona – report | OneFootball

Gerard Romero has once again made headlines with his claims about Lionel Messi today, with the Spanish journalist suggesting that the Paris Saint-Germain is not close to renewing his contract with the French giants.

This came at a time when it was widely believed that Messi is happy with his life in the French capital and wants to extend his stay at PSG.

But the bombshell report has led to the renewed belief that the forward, whose contract at PSG expires at the end of the season, may return to Barcelona as a free agent in the summer.

However, Dani Gil, a Mundo Deportivo correspondent in Paris, has refuted Romero’s claims. In a recent tweet, the journalist relayed information from Messi’s entourage, who reportedly believe that the recent rumours about the Argentine’s future are just a ‘diversionary manoeuvre’ by Barcelona.

Gil further quoted PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who is confident that Messi will sign a one-year contract extension until 2024. “I don’t think Messi has changed anything. He wants to renew for one year,” Al-Khelaifi was quoted as saying.

This comes as a major blow for Barcelona, who had reportedly stepped up their efforts to bring Messi back to Camp Nou, especially after the Argentine’s heroics after the World Cup.

But it appears the 35-year-old’s environment has no desire to renew discussions with Barcelona over a potential return. The forward, in fact, reportedly wants to continue his time at PSG, having enjoyed an excellent season in Ligue 1 so far.

The new contract could even give Messi a bigger role in the team, along with a lucrative pay package, though this could come at the expense of Neymar. The Brazilian has reportedly fallen out with star player Kylian Mbappe and may depart Parc des Princes at the end of the season.