New reports suggest that Lionel Messi could be set for a shock exit from Paris Saint-Germain in January.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has been widely linked with a return to Barcelona next year as his contract is due to expire at the end of this season, with it being suggested that the Argentine could return to the Catalan giants as a free agent ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
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Despite a difficult first season in Paris after joining PSG from Barca in August 2021, Messi has enjoyed a prolific spell of form over the past few months, having scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in just 17 appearances across all competitions, effectively banishing memories of his stuttering start to life in France.
Now, though, according to Diario Sport, Barca are looking to sign Messi in the January transfer window already.
While the Spanish giants have struggled in Europe of late, with their latest UEFA Champions League group-stage exit confirmed last week, they remain in a LaLiga title race with leaders Real Madrid, with just one point separating them at the top of the table.
However, PSG will not want to let Messi leave in the middle of this campaign as they pursue their first Champions League title ever.
It is believed that Barca are yet to make any direct contact with the Argentina talisman, though, and are aware that time is running out as a deal this complicated could require lengthy negotiations ahead of a 31 January 2023 deadline.
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Messi, meanwhile, is said to only be focused on helping PSG finish the season strong and playing for his nation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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