Barcelona legend Lionel Messi could be forced to hang up his boots with Argentina if he is to secure a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain, according to Ludovic Giuly.
Messi lifted the one major trophy that had alluded him in his professional career last December after leading Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s scintillating form earned him the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup, as Argentina beat France on penalties in an electrifying final.
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Messi has ruled out retiring from international football, with Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni keen for the PSG star to feature at the 2026 World Cup.
The 35-year-old Argentine forward is out of contract in the summer and negotiations are reportedly ongoing between Messi and PSG over a new deal.
Former PSG star Giuly believes that Messi’s commitment to his international future with Argentina could prove to be a “problem” over a potential contract extension.
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“It will be necessary to be aware that Leo will no longer be able to play all the matches,” he told French newspaper Le Parisien.
“It will sometimes be necessary to rest before Champions League matches, for example. I can see a rhythm like three disputed matches and then one to rest.
“Leo says he still wants to play with Argentina and that might be a problem. After a certain age, you recover much less well from the fatigue of long plane trips.
“Should he give up the selection to continue? I don’t know, but we’ll have to talk about it.”
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Despite Messi’s age and commitment to Argentina, Giuly insisted that the Argentina captain is the “best player in the world” and urged PSG to sign him to a new deal.
“We criticised him a lot but when we see the World Cup that he won because he had prepared well before, that should convince Paris to extend him,” he added.
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“I remind you that we are talking about Lionel Messi, the best player in the world! It proves that he is capable, if he is managed well, of bringing a lot more.
“A guy capable, at any time, on a pass, a dribble, a strike or a free-kick, of making the difference.
“I’m not talking about marketing or stuff like that but, when you’re called PSG, it’s better to have Messi in your team than elsewhere.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1, France, Football