Lionel Messi’s father and agent Jorge has dismissed speculation that his son is considering swapping Barcelona for PSG next summer as ‘fake news’.
Messi’s Camp Nou future has been a real source of gossip ever since he requested a transfer in the summer of 2020 following Barcelona’s tumultuous campaign in that infamous ‘Borofax’ format.
Messi was involved in Barcelona’s disastrous 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich/Pool/Getty Images
The Argentine was ultimately unable to part ways with the club due to his €700m release clause, but with his contract expiring in the summer of 2021, his future in Catalonia is still under discussion.
A meeting with former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City escalated during the transfer window, but reports have since emerged that PSG are also a potential destination.
ESPN reports that contact has already been made between the French champions and Jorge Messi, with contract talks set to begin in January.
However, Messi Sr was quick to dismiss the claims, taking to Instagram to write on a screenshot of the story via Goal: “Stop inventing! Fake news.”
?| Lionel Messi’s father and representative Jorge Messi on Instagram regarding PSG rumors!
“Stop inventing. Fake news” pic.twitter.com/83bvICWfpE
— BarcaBuzz (@Barca_Buzz) November 11, 2020
Messi found himself a substitute in Barcelona’s recent La Liga fixture with Real Betis, but was introduced at half-time and scored twice and provided an assist as Barca ran out 5-2 winners.
Speaking at full-time, manager Ronald Koeman reinforced his desire to keep the Barcelona talisman at the club, detailing conversations he had with the player in the summer after dramatic attempts to force an exit.
He said: “Barcelona have been, are and will be a better team with Messi than without. When I got there, they told me Messi was unhappy. We spoke at his house and he told me his reasons. .
“I was honest. I told him that the only thing is the system, his position on the field, his importance in the team. But I can’t change the problems that were with the club. I said the same thing from day one. He is excellent and committed to the club.”