Reporter calls bullshit after Romano claims Messi has 'verbal agreement' with PSG over contract

Conflict reports have emerged regarding Lionel Messi and his future at Ligue 1 giants PSG amid reports linking him with MLS's Inter Miami.

Messi is entering his second season at PSG after leaving FC Barcelona ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The 35-year-old had a disappointing debut season as he struggled to make a meaningful impact for the French side.

But the striker has been in stunning form this season. He scored 12 goals and delivered 14 assists in just 19 outings with PSG.

It prepared him well for the World Cup and he won the Ballon d'Or as Argentina won the competition for the third time.

It wouldn't have been possible without Messi as the veteran has scored seven goals and provided three assists for Qatar.

Messi is currently in Argentina celebrating with his team-mates, but talks turn to his future at PSG, with his current deal set to expire in 2023.

He has been heavily linked with Inter Miami and last month it was suggested that the MLS side 'expect' to sign him next year.

But Fabrizio Romano now reports that PSG have 'reached a verbal agreement' with Messi to extend his contract.

The journalist describes it as a 'verbal pact', but 'no decision' has yet been made on the length of Messi's contract or his salary. He claims that this "will soon be decided at a new meeting".

That might not be entirely true, though. Ben Jacobs claimed that Romano's report is not accurate as there is "no verbal agreement in place".

Jacobs adds that the PSG hierarchy is 'very surprised' by the reports on Messi as 'no conversation' took place between the club and the player after the World Cup.

"Saying it's NOT true that Lionel Messi verbally agreed to a new deal with PSG," Jacobs said via Twitter.

‘PSG senior club sources reiterate that Messi is happy and they would like a 1+1 extension. But no conversations yet after the World Cup and therefore no verbal agreement in place. Talks to renew will not take place until New Years.

‘PSG have always been convinced that Messi will renew. He is based in Paris and in excellent shape.

'But club sources are 'very surprised' by the news that Messi has already told them he will extend the deal. He is celebrating his World Cup victory and no conversation about it has yet taken place. '

Romano then doubled his position. He said Messi was 'convinced to stay at least one more season'.

He notes that "nothing is signed" and that the supposed agreement between Messi and PSG is "just verbal".

Either way, it seems likely that Messi will stay at PSG. As he showed at the World Cup, he still has a lot to do and can thrive at the highest level.

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