Lionel Messi plans to continue playing top-level European football for another 2 years following Argentina’s World Cup win, despite claims that a move to the MLS was on the cards at the end of the campaign.
The Argentine, who before the tournament claimed that the 2022 Qatar World Cup would be his last, lifted the trophy on Sunday after netting twice and seeing his side win on penalties following a 3-3 draw with France.
He has since added that he has no plans of international retirement, with the 35-year-old telling reporters that “I’m not retiring from the national team. I want to continue playing as a champion”.
His club future remains less secure though. At present he is out of contract with French giants Paris Saint Germain in 2023, though the Ligue 1 Champions are expected to open fresh talks over his twilight years in the coming weeks.
Asked by Sky Sports whether an extension was planned, PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi confirmed that talks were planned, telling the outlet that “he [has] performed fantastic this season for us, he’s scored a lot of goals and assists for the national team and for the club”.
“So what we agreed together - that after the World Cup, sit down together. But both sides - our side of the club and him - are very happy, so we will talk after the World Cup.”
It comes amid interest from Barcelona to bring him back to the Camp Nou on a free transfer, while there were also reports that he could be Inter Miami bound.
As per spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, however, Messi ‘does not see himself heading towards a minor league like the MLS’, and believes that he has two years left at the top of his game, leaving PSG in pole position to retain the World Cup winner.
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