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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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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona1412113352837
2Real Madrid14112133141935
3Real Sociedad148241917226
4Athletic Bilbao1473424141024
5Atletico MadridAtletico147342114724
6Real BetisBetis147341712524
7Osasuna147251614223
8Rayo Vallecano146442016422
9Villarreal146351510521
10Valencia145452215719
11Mallorca145451313019
12Real ValladolidValladolid145271321-817
13GironaGirona144462022-216
14Almeria145181622-616
15Getafe143561220-814
16Espanyol142661622-612
17Celta Vigo143381426-1212
18Sevilla142571322-911
19CadizCadiz14257926-1711
20ElcheElche1404101031-214

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