Lionel Messi is set to extend his contract at Paris Saint-Germain after winning the World Cup - after previously being on the cusp of agreeing a deal with Inter Miami.
The Argentinian superstar was widely reported to be set to move to the MLS with his deal in the French capital expiring at the end of this season. But he put his club future to one side to focus on the World Cup, which he duly won in Qatar last weekend.
In the immediate aftermath of the game, PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi outlined his desire to keep Messi at the Parc des Princes. And Le Parisien now report Messi has agreed a new deal until 2024 to remain with the Ligue 1 champions.
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After the World Cup final, Al-Khelaifi 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."
It was no secret that PSG were looking to extend the contract of Messi, who has kicked-on and enjoyed a stunning season in France after a difficult debut campaign. He was also linked with a return to Barcelona whilst Inter Miami held numerous meetings with Messi's father and were confident of agreeing a deal.
PSG chief Al-Khelaifi also told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Kylian has just signed a new contract, and Leo's lasts at least until the end of the season. Both, but in reality all of our players, are happy to play for PSG. Their most recent performances prove it, even before the World Cup.
"No decision on Messi's contract will be made until next year. Club and player will do what is right and in the best interests of both parties. We are all very happy right now, which is great"
News of Messi's new deal at PSG serves as a blow to David Beckham and his Inter Miami franchise, having reportedly been 'confident' of signing Messi and making him the highest-paid player in the MLS.
Just this week, former USA striker Alan Gordon, one of Beckham's old teammates at LA Galaxy, highlighted the role Messi could play in growing the game Stateside ahead of the next World Cup.
“Messi is the biggest name in the sport and one of the best to ever step foot on a soccer pitch. He’s going to fill stands,” Gordon told the Guardian.
“Before Beckham came, we travelled ‘Group C’ on Southwest Airlines with LA Galaxy. We’d walk through the airport and either nobody knew us, or nobody cared. When he arrived, we went from playing in front of 10,000, to 60-70,000 people in [American] football stadiums. That’s what it’s going to be like. And guess what? I’d be the first to grab a ticket and take my kids to see Messi.”
