According to a report from Dani Gil of Mundo Deportivo, Kylian Mbappe wants PSG teammate Lionel Messi to stay put at the club amid growing rumours of a possible return to Barcelona.
Messi left Barça and joined PSG in the summer of 2021 after the Catalans failed to renew his contract. The 35-year-old has enjoyed some degree of success in France but does not have the best relationship with the Parisian club’s supporters.
That, coupled with PSG’s failure in Europe for another season, have now led to Messi considering his future as his contract expires in the summer.
Barcelona are intent on capitalising on the possibility and welcoming their former captain back to the club for one last dance.
To that end, the wheels are understood to have already been set in motion as the Catalans have submitted their economic viability plan to La Liga. Should they receive the green light, the next move would be to table a formal contract offer to Messi.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, for his part, is understood to be keen on returning to Barcelona and has reportedly told the club to do everything in their power to make the move possible. The Argentina captain wants his future resolved before the end of the season.
Amidst the chances of a possible move to Barcelona growing, Mbappe could throw a spanner in the works as he wants Messi to remain with him at PSG beyond the current season.
While some reports have suggested otherwise, it is claimed that the two PSG superstars share a good camaraderie on and off the pitch, especially in recent times when Neymar has been out injured.
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There had been concerns that Messi’s World Cup triumph against Mbappe’s France in the final could cause a split, but that has not been the case. The two have struck up a good partnership and the Frenchman recognises the value that his senior teammate brings to the table.
Messi has a concrete renewal offer on the table from PSG and is yet to make a decision on his next move. But, Mbappe wants the Argentine to remain at Parc des Princes.
