Transfer Centre

Lionel Messi representatives 'deny Inter Miami speculation'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 17 May 2022

Lionel Messi's entourage deny claims that the Paris Saint-Germain attacker has agreed to sign for Inter Miami in 2023, according to a report.

The representatives of Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lionel Messi have reportedly shot down links with a switch to Inter Miami.

Following Les Parisiens' Champions League failure in the 2021-22 season, Messi has been linked with an early exit from Mauricio Pochettino's side this summer.

The Argentine has also managed a mere six goals in Ligue 1 games during the campaign, seeing him miss out on a place in the Team of the Year, despite also claiming 13 assists.

Messi remains under contract at the Parc des Princes with the option of a further year, though, and he is not expected to head for the exit door just yet.

However, reports earlier on Tuesday had stated that Messi was prepared to seal a switch to David Beckham's Inter Miami when his PSG deal expires at the end of next season.

Lionel Messi warms up for Paris Saint-Germain in February 2022 © Reuters

The rumours also stated that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was to acquire a 35% stake in the MLS outfit as he prepares to hang up his boots in the States.

Such speculation has now been denied by his entourage, according to Sport, who claim that the former Barcelona man is yet to decide on his future beyond the summer of 2023.

The report adds that Messi will honour the remainder of his PSG deal, and as things stand there is no existing agreement or commitment with Inter Miami.

Messi is still thought to be open to a move to MLS when he calls time on his Paris career, but the 34-year-old is not prepared to make any decisions until after the 2022 World Cup.

The Argentina international has hit double figures in goals and assists during his first season with Les Parisiens, scoring 11 goals and providing 13 assists in 33 games in all tournaments for the French champions, who conclude their campaign at home to Metz on Saturday.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe pictured on April 20, 2022 © Reuters

Messi's father Jorge Messi is hopeful that his son will eventually move back to Barcelona one day, but president Joan Laporta does not expect the club to welcome him back in a playing capacity.

While Messi is seemingly set to stay on at the Parc des Princes, Pochettino will oversee some significant changes in attack as Kylian Mbappe prepares to leave the club on a free transfer.

Real Madrid are now understood to have agreed personal terms with the World Cup winner, although PSG have not given up on a new contract just yet.

Meanwhile, Messi's compatriot Angel Di Maria is also out of contract in the summer and is not expected to be offered an extension by the Ligue 1 champions.

Juventus are rumoured to be at the head of the queue for Di Maria, who has only started 18 Ligue 1 games this term following Messi's free transfer.