PSG identify Portugal star as potential replacement for Lionel Messi in summer - Reports

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly eyeing a move for Portugal star Rafael Leao as a potential replacement for Lionel Messi.

The Argentina icon is out of contract at the end of the season but is yet to agree a new deal. That could force PSG to scour the market for a replacement. According to CalcioMercato.com (h/t Fichajes.net), the Parisians have identified Leao as a possible option. The AC Milan winger's contract expires at the end of next season and is said to have a €120 million release clause.

Leao's contract standoff with the Rossoneri could force them to settle for an amount lower than the aforementioned figure. He's one of the finest forwards in the game and has registered nine goals and 10 assists in 35 games across competitions this term.

Leao was particularly impressive last season, as his 11 goals and 10 assists in 34 games fired Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years. He subsequently won the Serie A 'Most Valuable Player' award for his exploits.

However, replacing Lionel Messi won't be an easy task. For all the criticism against his form for PSG in the UEFA Champions League, the Argentine playmaker has had a stellar season.

The former Barcelona forward has 18 goals and 17 assists in 32 games for his club this term. PSG are set to be burdened with the monumental task of trying to find a player who can replicate Messi's impact this summer.

A return to Barcelona has been touted, with the Blaugrana reportedly devising innovative methods to accommodate his potential financial demands.

---

PSG's Lionel Messi helps Argentina to friendly win over Panama

Lionel Messi (right) in action against Portugal.

Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes at the El Monumental in Buenos Aires as Argentina beat Panama 2-0 on Thursday (March 23).

Thiago Almada opened the scoring in the 78th minute after a scintillating long-range free-kick from Messi had hit the bar and fell into his path. Panama made the mistake of giving the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner a second bite of the cherry 11 minutes later.

The PSG playmaker obliged and hit an unstoppable free-kick into the top-left corner, which was the 62nd direct free-kick goal of his career. That took him one strike away from becoming just the third male footballer to score a century of international goals.

Messi has 99 strikes in 173 senior appearances for Argentina, who will next play Curacao in a friendly on Tuesday (March 28).