PSG ‘will resume talks over Lionel Messi’s contract after the World Cup’ amid Barcelona rumours

PSG will resume talks to extend Lionel Messi’s contract after he returns from leading Argentina at the World Cup, according to a report – to try and fend off Barcelona’s interest.

The 35-year-old star left the Nou Camp for Paris just last summer, and has played 52 times for the Ligue 1 champions, scoring 23 goals.

However, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said earlier this week that Messi was always welcome to return to the Catalan giants, and it has led to a flurry of rumours he might revert back to his old club.

PSG will offer Lionel Messi a new contract on his return from Argentina duty at the World Cup 

Now Mundo Deportivo have reported that PSG have expressed intentions to extend Messi’s contract in the French capital, once talks resume after the World Cup.

They were reportedly keen to extend his contract, which expires in June 2023, for a further two years.

Messi requested that negotiations would be put on hold until he has represented his country in Qatar, in what is likely to be his last appearance on international football’s biggest stage.

Club president Joan Laporta had previously said ‘Leo knows that Barcelona is always his home’

The desire to sign a new deal comes shortly after Laporta, 60, hinted at a possible comeback for Messi at Barcelona, with the Argentine playing 778 games for the club across two decades, becoming their most decorated player.

As Sportsmail revealed at the time, Laporta reportedly said: ‘Messi’s return to Barça in 2023? Leo knows that Barcelona is always his home’.

PSG will have a busy time in the boardroom, as they try to deal with extending contracts for a number of their stars, according to the report.

PSG look set to offer midfielder Marco Verratti an extended deal until the summer of 2026

Midfielder Marco Verratti looks set to have his deal extended until 2026, and the French club hope to make this deal with the Italian official before Christmas. He joined the club in 2012, and if he stays out the reported new contract, he would have spent 14 years with the French giants.

Sergio Ramos and Presnel Kimpembe are also set to have their deals at PSG extended in the coming months.

PSG sit top of Ligue 1 going into the six-week World Cup break, and have also made it to the last-16 of the Champions League, where they will face German giants Bayern Munich.