Lionel Messi is reportedly in contract extension talks with Paris Saint-Germain, but the two sides face significant hurdles in reaching an agreement. As a result, rumors of a possible return to FC Barcelona are surfacing.
However, former Argentine footballer Mario Alberto Kempes believes that if Messi wants to remain a vital part of the national team heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the best decision is to stay with PSG.
“If he wants to play in the next World Cup, he will stay very well in France,” Kempes told TyC Sports.
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Kempes stressed that in Ligue 1, he “is more rested” and that “for the French championship, he is enough and he has plenty.” Nonetheless, the former player notes it will be slightly different in the UEFA Champions League competition.
“For the Champions League, it is costing him a bit,” Kempes continued. “At PSG, in three years, he will be perfect. We will also see him in the Qualifiers. Little by little, we will see Messi’s physical rhythm.”
“There is one thing in which Messi beats everyone: he runs when he has to run. It’s not that he runs to vice. No. If he continues with this winning mentality, it will be like that. He will not arrive like now in 2022, but with his left foot he has one hand and can put it anywhere.”
This decision to remain with the capital club will come down to economics. If Messi wants a similar salary that he earned in this past contract, it wouldn’t be wise for the Ligue 1 side to keep Messi.
PSG can use his salary to fill out their squad with depth heading into the 2023-24 season. Nonetheless, if the Argentine wants to lower his salary and reduce his role on the team, then perhaps it might make sense for the French giants to extend the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
