“Full of fake news” - Lionel Messi’s father releases statement to clarify PSG superstar’s future

Lionel Messi's father has released a statement clarifying the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) attacker's future.

Messi, 35, is widely expected to leave the Parc des Princes at the end of the season. L'Equipe reports that the Argentine icon has reached a verbal agreement with Saudi side Al Hilal to join in the summer.

However, Jorge refuted the claims, saying that nothing has been signed or agreed with any club. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):

"There’s absolutely NOTHING agreed with any club for next season. We won’t do anything now — and we will decide at the end of the current season... I can guarantee that it will never be decided before the end of current season with Paris Saint-Germain."

Messi's contract with PSG expires at the end of the season. Jorge continued by hitting out at the media for speculating over the legendary forward's future:

“Leo Messi’s name is always used around — but we can guarantee that there’s NOTHING signed, agreed or even verbally agreed and it won’t happen now... It’s full of fake news around with no proof of what these ‘media’ say in public to invent stories and with zero respect — why don’t they check their news?"

🚨🔴 Jorge Messi official statement.

“There’s absolutely NOTHING agreed with any club for next season. We will decide at the end of the season”.

“Nothing is signed, agreed or verbally agreed. Only fake news using Leo’s name”. twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/eJQOsBerGp

Messi was recently suspended by PSG after making an unauthorised visit to Saudi Arabia. The Argentine released a video on his Instagram apologising for the situation.

Speculation has grown over Messi's future following the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It seemed as if he was set to renew his contract at the Parc des Princes. However, that hasn't happened, and a move to the Saudi Pro League, return to Barcelona or switch to MLS have been mooted as possibilities.

Messi joined PSG in 2021 after Barca were unable to afford a new contract for the legendary attacker. He has scored 20 goals and provided 19 assists in 37 games across competitions this season.

Lionel Messi resumes training with PSG after suspension

Lionel Messi was back in training on Monday.

Lionel Messi was back in training with PSG's first team on Monday (May 8) after his suspension for his trip to Saudi Arabia. The Argentine great apologised to the club and his teammates in his Instagram video. His visit to Saudi happened a day after the Parisians' shock 3-1 league defeat to Lorient on April 30.

The former Barcelona captain sat out Christophe Galtier's side's 3-1 win over Troyes on May 7. The Ligue 1 giants are next in action against Ajaccio on Saturday (May 13).

PSG uploaded a picture of Messi back in training with the squad. They captioned it:

“Leo Messi back in training this Monday morning.”

⚽️🔛 Leo Messi back in training this Monday morning. https://t.co/Neo6GEWEIm

L'Equipe reports that Messi will be part of the team that faces Ajaccio. His suspension was set for two weeks, which would have ruled him out of the games against Troyes and Ajaccio. However, it appears the Argentine will be back for Saturday's clash at the Parc des Princes.