January a key month for Lionel Messi and PSG

Lionel Messi’s contract renewal at PSG is almost a done deal. Before the World Cup, any possibility of it not being so was settled with a handshake between Messi himself and PSG president Nasser Al Khelaïfi, reports Aritz Gabilondo of Spanish outlet AS.

It was a verbal gentlemen’s agreement; an agreement in principle that put any chance of him leaving Paris and European football to rest amid interest from the United States.

With both sides clear, all that remains to be done is to put the record straight. Important aspects are still up in the air, for example, the length of his new contract in the French capital and the salary the former Barcelona man will receive.

It remains to be seen whether Messi and the club will agree on one year – plus an optional one -, two years, or even just one year without the option of an extension. The salary will also play an important part in the negotiation.

The World Cup has once again boosted Messi’s name on the footballing scene and PSG will not put any major obstacles in the way because they know they have a special player in their hands and one who cost a lot to bring in.

In the year that Messi can win his eighth Ballon d’Or, staying a PSG player is seen as a main objective for Al Khelaïfi and Qatar.

Between Messi’s entourage – with his father at the head of it – and PSG together with Al Khelaïfi and Luis Campos, the parties will be getting to work on the new agreement for the World Cup winner.

January was and is a key month for Messi to continue to make progress on the renewal that he wants. The Parc des Princes will continue to enjoy a world champion and a player who still has big objectives in Paris.

Kieran Quaile | GSFN

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