The manager of a club interested in signing Lionel Messi has insisted his side could still land the player's signature, despite reports suggesting he has agreed to extend his stay with Paris Saint-Germain.
Following his 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina, Messi's club future has been the subject of increasing speculation as his PSG contract is due to expire in June.
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Prior to the tournament, it was reported that the 35-year-old would only be making a decision about his future after the conclusion of the competition in Qatar, and it has since been rumoured that he has agreed in principle to sign a new deal at the Parc des Princes, although there has been no official confirmation of this.
A few clubs are known to be keeping a close eye on the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's contractual situation, with his former employers FC Barcelona and United States outfit Inter Miami having already made their interest in him public.
The manager of the latter side, Phil Neville, has now revealed that he remains optimistic about securing the Albiceleste skipper's signature despite reports suggesting he will pen a new deal with Les Parisiens.
"Any agreement for a DP (Designated Player) at this level can be complicated… [But] why not? I believe it could happen," the Englishman said, according to Get French Football News.
"Players all over the world see the MLS as a great league.
"If Messi were to come, that would make me happy, because I like playing with – and learning from – the best."
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According to the Daily Mirror, Messi is also avoiding phone calls from a negotiator close to Barca president Joan Laporta as he is poised to sign an extension until June 2024 with PSG.
It is further claimed that he is likely to move to Major League Soccer after the conclusion of his extended stay in Paris.
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