Messi and PSG reach agreement in principle to renew contract – Balague

BBC Sport's Guillem Balague says Argentina captain Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to renew his contract at Paris St-Germain.

Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, is out of contract at the French club in June 2023.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says he would love Messi to return to the Spanish club where he spent 21 years.

Messi will sign a one year deal with the option of another year and the agreement has come after four months of talks between PSG director of football Luis Campos and Messi's father Jorge Messi.

European football expert Balague says it is practically all agreed with PSG and Barcelona have not approached him or his dad to offer anything.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was named player of the tournament at the World Cup as Argentina won the title for the third time with a penalty shootout victory over France.

After leaving Barcelona, Messi signed a two year contract as a free agent, with the option of a third year, in 2021.

He has made 53 appearances for the Ligue 1 side so far, scoring 23 goals in all competitions.

[Source: BBC]