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Lionel Messi has reportedly rejected Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)'s first contract renewal due to wage disagreement. The Argentine icon's future is uncertain, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.
Messi, 35, has been in red-hot form for Christophe Galtier's side, scoring 17 goals and contributing 16 assists in 28 games across competitions. He has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar last December. The iconic attacker agreed a new one-year deal in principle with the French giants before the international tournament in Qatar.
However, Messi has not yet agreed on the terms of his new contract with the Parisians. Spanish outlet La Vanguardia reports that PSG are mindful of financial fairplay rules. Hence, they asked the forward to lower his salary than what he currently receives (£34.84 million a year, per Salary Sport).
Messi was not convinced by the Ligue 1 giants' initial proposal and rejected the offer. His father then flew to Barcelona to meet Blaugrana president Joan Laporta.
However, a return to the Camp Nou seems unlikely given the Blaugrana's own financial issues. La Liga have barred the club from signing players in the summer transfer window.
Cristian Romero claims PSG's Lionel Messi could play for Argentina at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Question marks remain over Lionel Messi's future with Argentina after the latter won the FIFA World Cup in December. The legendary forward has been selected by La Abiceleste for their upcoming friendlies against Panama (March 23) and Curacao (March 28).
He had said before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar that it would be his last appearance at the quadrennial event. However, many of his Argentine teammates are urging him to feature at the next one in USA-Mexico-Canada.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Romero reckons the PSG attacker should play in that tournament. That's despite the fact that Messi would be 39 by the end of the competition. Romero said:
"Di María said that he'll continue (with the National Team), and I hope Leo will continue too. I see him (doing) very well physically. He played every game at the World Cup. For me, he'll arrive at the next World Cup, but it's his decision. He has to continue."
Messi shone at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, winning the Golden Ball for his brilliant exploits (seven goals, three assists in seven games). However, it remains to be seen whether the PSG attacker appears in a sixth World Cup in three years time.
