Many believed that Lionel Messi could return to FC Barcelona in 2023 but the latest reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain wants to extend his contract with the team for another year.

After Messi left Barça as a free agent in August 2021, he agreed to a two-year contract with PSG, which had supposedly included a one-year extension option. Messi’s potential return to FC Barcelona has been discussed since his premature exit from the team.

Although it’s improbable that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would return soon due to the financial state of the team; according to an earlier ESPN report in June, former teammate and current FC Barcelona manager Xavi was expected to have the last say on whether they would pursue bringing Messi back to Spain on a free transfer in 2023.

Barça president Joan Laporta already pointed out that a Lionel Messi return would have to be in the best interests of the Xavi Hernandez’s project. And although Messi’s move to France has been a long shot, he intends to make the most of it.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Messi has been offered a one-year contract extension by Paris Saint-Germain but he will decide if the accepts it after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Messi’s next step is to take some time to contemplate his future. Messi is believed to be curious about where he is physically, if he’s motivated moving forward, and his mental condition in the near future.

The ex-FC Barcelona captain’s first goal in Ligue 1 action came in November, and he only scored six goals in 26 games over the whole domestic season because of fitness difficulties. He did have 14 assists, second on the team behind only Kylian Mbappe’s 15. Messi did score five goals in seven UEFA Champions League games.