The season-ending ankle injury to Neymar Jr. has allowed for the chemistry between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé to flourish as the connection has been the most lethal in Europe’s top five leagues.
Nonetheless, Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in June and FC Barcelona is attempting to reunite with the Argentine. Regardless, L’Equipe reported Saturday (h/t Mundo Deportivo) that Mbappé wants the veteran goal scorer to remain in the French capital.
According to the French media outlet, Mbappé feels unfinished business at PSG after crashing out in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Bayern Munich this 2022-23 season.
While the 35-year-old hasn’t decided on his future, the French forward wants him to stay in Paris. However, Neymar will be returning from his injury to start the 2023-24 season and PSG cannot afford to have its wage bill tied to the three forwards having other needs.
Unless sporting advisor Luis Campos can offload Neymar this summer, it’s challenging to see Messi remaining, as the French giants could use his wages to add two or three players for next season.
It will be interesting to see if Mbappé’s influence sways Messi and PSG to reach an extension for at least one more year.
