A Spanish report revealed that Lionel Messi, the legend of Barcelona, has confirmed to some close players about his next destination during the ongoing summer transfer window. The famous Spanish program "El Chiringuito" stated that the Argentine star Lionel Messi is very close to joining the ranks of French club Paris Saint-Germain.
It was added that "Messi has informed several PSG players that he will agree to Paris's offer this summer." Messi has a strong friendship with several stars at PSG, foremost among them is his former teammate at Barcelona, Brazilian Neymar, as well as fellow countrymen Ángel Di María and Leandro Paredes.
The Argentine star Lionel Messi will not sign a new contract with Barcelona, which means the end of a partnership that lasted over 20 years between the two parties, as announced by the Catalan club on Thursday. This shocking development for one of the most prominent players in football history could turn the transfer market upside down.
Barcelona issued a statement saying, "Although an agreement was reached between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi, it cannot be officially confirmed due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish league regulations)." The statement added, "Given this situation, Lionel Messi will no longer be linked to Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club were not fulfilled." The statement concluded, "Barcelona sincerely thanks the player for his contribution to this institution and wishes him the best in his personal and professional life."
With Messi's contract ending on June 30, he has become free to move to the club of his choice. The news came as a surprise as Spanish newspapers were expecting an announcement of Barcelona renewing the contract of the 34-year-old Argentine star after all matters were reportedly agreed upon between the two sides.
The Catalan club made significant efforts to retain Messi's services after a disappointing season in which they only won the Copa del Rey, especially since the player had announced his wish to leave in the summer of 2020 before backing down because he did not want to enter a legal dispute with his club. However, the huge financial difficulties Barcelona faces to comply with the Spanish league's financial fair play regulations prevented the deal from being completed, despite the sacrifices made by the player, who was willing to take a pay cut and extend his contract for an additional five years.
Messi, who achieved his first international title by leading Argentina to win the Copa America by defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final match last month at the Maracanã stadium, became the player with the most appearances for Barcelona last season with 767, surpassing former playmaker Xavi. This shocking development for one of the most prominent players in football history could turn the transfer market upside down before knowing the Argentine's next destination.
