LIONEL MESSI is reportedly planning to stay at Paris Saint-Germain next season.
That is despite being booed by his own fans and his father allegedly pushing for a dramatic return to Barcelona.
PSG and their Qatari ownership are determined to hold on to Lionel Messi for his full contractCredit: EPA
There has been plenty of speculation suggesting the Argentine, 34, may quit the French giants after just one season.
But journalist Matteo Moretto reports Messi plans is to stick with it at the Parc des Princes.
2022 is a crucial year for PSG – because of their owner’s Qatari background ahead of hosting the World Cup.
And keeping Messi is, therefore, a major priority.
However, it is understood he is ‘unhappy’ with a range of things on and off the field at PSG.
On the pitch, Messi has managed just two Ligue 1 goals in 18 appearances this season and was accused of going missing as they crashed out of the Champions League at Real Madrid.
Then furious PSG fans demanded Messi – who earns a reported £1million a week in France – QUIT the club in a graffiti message at the club’s training ground.
It came just hours after Neymar and Messi were booed with every touch of the ball during the Ligue 1 win over Bordeaux.
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And journalist Gerard Romero also claimed Jorge Messi, Lionel’s dad, has been on the phone to Barca officials in a desperate bid to negotiate a return for his son.
Messi was released from the Nou Camp as a free transfer last summer when his contract expired and cash-strapped Barca could not afford a new deal, even on reduced wages.
Despite labelling the decision the ‘saddest of them all’, Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted he had no regrets over the saga.
SunSport understands Messi has always been committed to honouring his two-year contract which expires in June 2023 – although there is an option to trigger an extra 12 months.
