Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi confirms the club WILL open contract extension talks with Lionel Messi, as he labels him ‘the best player at the World Cup’ after Argentina’s triumph
Paris Saint-Germain will be holding contract extension talks with Lionel Messi, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has confirmed.
Sunday’s World Cup final was a big day for PSG, as Messi lifted the trophy after bagging a brace as Argentina won on penalties but Kylian Mbappe took the golden boot following his hattrick.
The Argentine number 10’s contract at the Parc des Princes will be up in the summer, but it does have the option of a 12-month extension which it seems the club are keen to take.
Lionel Messi took his Argentina side to the World Cup trophy by beating France in the final
Both Messi and Kylian Mbappe starred in the final, scoring five goals between them
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi confirmed the club would have contract talks with Messi
Al-Khelafi was full of praise for both of his side’s stars after the final, as he told RMC Sport: ‘Keep Mbappé and Messi? Of course, one is the top scorer and the other is best player in the World Cup.
‘I don’t want to say anything for Leo, we had an agreement to talk after the World Cup.’
After a slow start in Paris by his own illustrious standards, Messi has impressed this season with 12 goals in 19 games across club football.
Mbappe became the first man to score a World Cup final hattrick since 1966
The 35-year-old showed how he has adapted with age in the World Cup, playing a less mobile role but still gracing the tournament with moments of magic as he led Argentina to the trophy.
Picking up a winners medal in Qatar means Messi has finally emulated his compatriot Diego Maradona and won the trophy that has always eluded him.
He will now return to PSG, who are next in action against Strasbourg on December 28.
The club will be hoping to tie up his contract extension quickly, but the forward could be swayed after reported interest from other clubs.
