Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly accepted that Lionel Messi is unlikely to extend his contract in the French capital.
The Argentina international is out of contract at Parc des Princes this summer and had opened contract discussions with the club after the World Cup.
However, Messi and PSG have failed to reach an agreement since then, and there is now a big chance that the 35-year-old will not renew his contract.
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According to reports making the rounds in the UK, PSG have now accepted that it is unlikely that the 35-year-old will stay at Parc des Princes beyond this season. That further opens the door to a return to Messi’s former club Barcelona, who have sent representatives to discuss a deal that will bring Messi back.
Last week Barca vice-president Rafa Yuste admitted that the club is ‘in contact’ with Messi and his representatives about a return two years after his exit.
“Leo and his family know my affection for them,” he told reporters.
“I participated in the negotiations that unfortunately did not lead to success.
“I’m gutted that Leo could not continue at our club. Of course, if you talk about La Masia, you talk about Messi. But, of course, I would love to see him come back for what it could represent at a sporting, social and economic level.
“And I think the fans, too, because beautiful stories in life have to have a happy ending. And we are in love with Messi, and I think Messi is in love with Barça and the city of Barcelona. So we are in contact with them, yes.”
Messi’s father, Jorge, will reportedly fly to Barcelona within the next week to resume discussing a transfer back to Camp Nou.
