Lionel Messi is 'set to sign a new one-year deal at PSG THIS WEEK

Lionel Messi is reportedly set to sign a one-year contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain this week.

Messi's current deal expires at the end of the season and there had been speculation about where he could be playing his football next year.

There had been strong links with a return to former club Barcelona, while there was some suggestions that David Beckham's Inter Miami were close to bringing the Argentinian star to the MLS.

But Messi gave PSG an assurance that he would sign a new deal with them last month.

And according to Marca everything is now pointing towards the 35-year-old putting pen to paper on a new one-year deal until June 30 2024 as early as this week.

An offer had been on the table to Messi since the start of the season from PSG, with the French club keen to keep the megastar in Paris.

Messi joined PSG in an emotional move from Barcelona in 2021. In his first season he scored 11 times in 34 games and although the French side regained their Ligue 1 championship, it took time for Messi to settle at the club.

However, this campaign has seen the World Cup winner already eclipse his performances and stats from last year, having netted 12 goals in 19 games before the World Cup break.

The new deal signals Messi's intent on staying in one of Europe's top leagues and allows PSG to boast the continued inclusion of last month's World Cup hero as one of their star attractions.

Messi is expected to make his return to PSG after his World Cup exploits this month, where he could ironically renew his long-term rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

PSG are scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia to take on a combined side of Ronaldo's new side Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal – billed as the Riyadh Season Cup.

The friendly tournament has been rearranged after the original date had to be postponed due to Covid.