Lionel Messi renewal talks with PSG stall amid increased salary demands

Despite his return to form for the Ligue 1 run-in, Lionel Messi’s time in France looks all but over as contract renewal talks with Paris Saint-Germain remain at a standstill.

The Argentine had signed a two-year contract on arriving from Barcelona in 2021 – a deal which included a clause for an extra season that would be bilaterally triggered. The two parties had instead looked to work on a contract extension, and according to Le Parisien an agreement in principle had been found at the end of last year.

The issue, though, arose from the Argentine’s salary demands made later on, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s camp asking for a raise in the wake of his World Cup win. PSG, on the other hand, were planning on renewing the forward on the same terms as his current contract. Le Parisien also report that an offer worth €400m a year from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal has also been submitted to Messi’s entourage, which could be used increase the Argentine’s renewal demands.

The 35-year-old’s inner circle have denied reports that financial demands are stalling the negotiations – but rather that talks have taken place directly with the owners, and that Messi first wants to know how the club’s project will take shape next season, notably in terms of Christophe Galtier’s successor in the dugout.

The World Cup winner, who has 15 goals and 15 assists this season, is not particularly keen on going to Saudi Arabia, nor can Barcelona afford to bring him back. For the time being, PSG are not planning out next season with Messi on mind, while the owners only agreed to a contract extension on the same terms – not a raise. With Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane emerging as the club’s top target this summer, it remains to be seen whether the club’s deciders will have any desire to make room for Messi ahead of yet another rebuild.