LIGUE 1 (FRANCE)
'We will no longer tolerate fake news' – Messi's father calls out 'lies' about PSG star's future
Lionel Messi's father Jorge has claimed "fake news" is being spread about the superstar forward's future at Paris Saint-Germain.
Argentina international Messi is due to be out of contract at the Parc des Princes at the end of the campaign, only intensifying talk over his next career move.
A report this week suggested PSG are not willing to accept Messi's wage demands over a new deal, while another claimed he is asking for €600million to join Saudi side Al Hilal.
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It was also alleged on Friday that Messi left a training session early this week due to a falling-out with head coach Christophe Galtier.
However, Jorge Messi took to social media on Friday to denounce all three articles.
"When will you stop lying?" he posted on his personal Instagram account, alongside screenshots from the three articles.
"Where's the proof? Oh, it's all false. OK. No matter how loud it is called. Do not believe it. We will no longer tolerate fake news to gain followers."
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) March 15, 2023
Messi has 18 goals and 17 assists in 31 games for PSG this season, but he came in for criticism for his displays in their Champions League last-16 elimination to Bayern Munich.
Asked about the World Cup winner's future at a press conference on Friday, Galtier said: "I know that Leo Messi and the board have been in talks.
"As for whether Leo Messi will be here next season or not, I have said that it is about desire. I know people are discussing it, but Leo Messi is happy in the dressing room.
"He has 18 goals and 17 assists this season. I know there was some criticism about the [Champions League] game against Bayern Munich, but he wasn't the only one.
"As for his future, it is too early to know what will happen."
Messi, who has also been strongly linked with a move to Major League Soccer, is in line to start PSG's Ligue 1 meeting with Rennes at Parc des Princes on Sunday.
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