Inside Lionel Messi's trip to Qatar as he discusses "big change" after PSG move

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi made a special trip to Qatar this week just one year ahead of the World Cup.

Messi made the trip to the Middle East alongside his club and international teammate Leandro Paredes, with whom he retains a close relationship away from the pitch.

The two players were taking advantage of the French club granting them three days off from first-team training to travel to Qatar.

The trip comes amid growing speculation that the 34-year-old will be an ambassador for next winter's World Cup finals in the Gulf state.

Both Messi and Paredes were pictured in Doha, Qatar, last week - a significant journey in the space of just a few days off from first-team training.

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Messi's long-term confidant Pepe Costa was also part of the trip to the Middle East, seen in pictures of the forward posing with fans.

So close is the bond between Messi and Costa that the latter worked at Barca but his contract at the club was not renewed when the superstar departed this summer.

Video footage also shows a masked Messi being welcomed by dignitaries in the country, while plainly dressed in a white t-shirt and denim jeans.

Messi and Paredes had made a pitstop in Dubai before arriving in Qatar, with the former Barca star visiting the Universal Exhibition - of which he is an ambassador - in the UAE, as part of his journey.

Jorge Agustin Molina Arambarri, the Ambassador of Argentina to the UAE, welcomed Messi and Paredes to the UAE alongside Lucas Gioja.

Messi briefly spoke to reporters to say: "Moving to Paris was a big change as we lived in the same place for many years and it was not easy to change.

"But the truth is we're great, in a spectacular city and with one of the best teams in the world. So we are very happy."

Messi added of his nation's hopes of winning next year's World Cup: "We're not the favourites, but I think we're in a good position after winning the Copa America.

"We must keep on growing,."

Messi's trip onwards to Qatar has fuelled speculation that he could accept an ambassadorial role for next winter's World Cup in the nation.

Of course, his move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer sparked rumours that such a move could come to fruition.

The French club are owned by Qatari royalty and it is thought that the Middle Eastern state will take advantage of their status by persuading its stars to help promote the nation.