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Barcelona, Inter Miami 'battling to take Lionel Messi away from Paris Saint-Germain'

Barcelona, Inter Miami 'battling to take Messi away from PSG'
© Reuters
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly battling to keep hold of Lionel Messi amid interest from Barcelona and Inter Miami.

Barcelona and Inter Miami are reportedly competing for the signature of Lionel Messi, but Paris Saint-Germain are not prepared to let the Argentina international leave without a fight.

The 35-year-old has been in strong form for the French champions during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 12 goals and registering 13 assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.

Messi's contract in Paris is due to expire next June, though, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding the forward's future over the last few weeks.

Barcelona are said to be determined to re-sign the South American, while Inter Miami are thought to be working to bring him to the MLS next year.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona and Inter Miami both want Messi, but PSG are also confident that they can convince the attacker to sign another contract in the French capital.

Lionel Messi in action for Argentina on September 27, 2022© Reuters

Romano claims that Messi is yet to make a decision on his future, with the forward currently focusing on Ligue 1 and the Champions League for PSG, while he will represent Argentina at the upcoming World Cup.

"The reality to clarify is that Leo has not decided his future so far: there is still no clear and precise choice for a very clear reason, Messi wants to wait until 2023 since he is now 100% focused on the Champions League, Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain and especially on the World Cup with Argentina, his final World Cup which means a lot to Leo," Romano wrote on his column for 888sport.

"For sure, Inter Miami are dreaming of Leo Messi and they made it clear to player side: the MLS club informed Messi of a strong interest and openness to make an official proposal for 2023, there is the intention to offer Leo has the opportunity to try a new experience and make him a real MLS ambassador in the world.

"Barcelona have been dreaming of Leo Messi's return for some time, Joan Laporta would like the Argentine star's last year in Catalonia but knows that the negotiation is not easy and that there are many factors behind Leo's final choice.

Lionel Messi in action for Paris Saint-Germain on September 10, 2022© Reuters

"For example, family is an important factor and also planning for the future; that's why the decision will take time, Barca have not yet made an official proposal and right now there is no negotiation because Messi wants to wait until 2023 without problems during the World Cup.

"There are not only Inter Miami and Barcelona in the list of clubs interested in Leo Messi. Keep an eye on the situation of Paris Saint-Germain: sources guarantee that Leo is very happy in Paris, he has found an important balance with a new country, a new league, new teammates and also the manager Galtier has built an excellent relationship with Leo.

"Internal PSG sources guarantee that the club is ready to make a major effort to offer Messi a new contract, persuade him to stay for at least another year and continue his experience in Paris.

"This is a possibility that still exists and not to be discarded because Messi has not yet decided, the PSG project is still at early stages with Campos as advisor and so everything is absolutely open also on the French side."

Messi has scored seven goals and registered 10 assists in 12 Ligue 1 appearances this season, while he has contributed four goals and three assists in four Champions League matches.

The forward left Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, with the Catalan outfit unable to afford his wages due to their financial problems.

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Lionel Messi and Neymar celebrate the former's goal for Paris Saint-Germain against Maccabi Haifa on October 25, 2022
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
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2GironaGirona35236675443175
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico35224964392570
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real BetisBetis35141384641555
7Real Sociedad341412848351354
8Valencia35139133739-248
9Villarreal35139135960-148
10Getafe351013124148-743
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna35117173953-1440
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca35714142840-1235
16Rayo Vallecano35714142743-1635
17Celta Vigo35810174053-1334
18CadizCadiz35514162449-2529
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


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