Lionel Messi still finalising terms with Paris Saint-Germain over shock move and is not yet expected to fly into French capital for a medical… despite football legend admitting in teary Barcelona farewell he WILL be signing for a European rival
Lionel Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain is edging closer to completion after the legendary Argentine made a tearful farewell to Barcelona after 21 years.
The 34-year-old is deep in contract talks with the French side and although he has no plans to fly to Paris for a medical, he is edging closer to one of the summer’s most sensational transfers.
Since the news broke on Thursday evening that Barcelona are not able to keep Messi because of alarming financial issues, PSG have moved at an electric pace to sign the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Lionel Messi’s blockbuster move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona is edging closer
The 34-year-old is close to finalising a contract but has no plans to fly to the French capital
Messi to PSG is done! Medical tonight or tomorrow morning in Paris. Then he will sign his contract. This is incredible. @ESPNFC
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) August 8, 2021
Reports of a two-year deal worth £70million, with an option to add a third year, had appeared as early as Friday morning, with claims that a transfer could be completed as soon as Monday.
An emotional Messi gave a final goodbye press conference at Barcelona on Sunday and revealed that PSG is a possible destination, but did not confirm he had signed with the Qatari-owned club.
‘As long as I go on being competitive and as long as my body responds (I’ll carry on playing),’ he told a news conference.
‘My contract was never the issue… What I know is that I did everything I could. The club say it could not happen because of LaLiga.
‘I can guarantee you that I did everything I could to stay. Last year I didn’t want to and I said that, but this year it was different.’
A teary Messi gave a farewell speech to Barca in which he said a move to PSG was possible
‘As long as I can, I will carry on competing.’
He remained coy at the conference, adding: ‘(PSG) is honestly one possibility, to reach those heights, but I’ve got nothing confirmed with anybody.
‘When the press release was published, I had a lot of calls and a lot of clubs were interested. At the moment, I’ve not got anything closed, but we are talking about a lot of things.’
Messi’s arrival at PSG would see him reunited with former Barcelona team-mate and close friend Neymar. Should the French club manage to keep Kylian Mbappe, they would possess arguably the most potent front three in world football.
Messi is Barcelona’s all-time goalscorer with 672 and he has won 35 trophies with the club.
‘I tried to behave with humility and respect and I hope that is what remains of me when I leave the club,’ he said in his farewell speech, as he broke down in tears.
The club legend was greeted by a lengthy standing ovation from the media, current and former team-mates and coaches in attendance.
Messi is set to be reunited with ex-Barcelona forward and close friend Neymar (right) at PSG
