After financial trouble in Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Lionel Messi were unable to keep the star, a source with knowledge of negotiations said that they are now in negotiations for a contract.
Messi’s legal team is currently in Paris, and discussions have led to a net annual salary of approximately 25 million euros ($29.5million). This would be lower than his Barcelona compensation, said the person under anonymity.
Barcelona announced Messi would give a press conference at Camp Nou at noon (1000 GMT) on Sunday. Although the purpose was not specified, it was expected to be his farewell. Barcelona’s coach and many players didn’t wait to say goodbye to the star.
Barcelona said goodbye to Messi on Thursday in social media posts and statements. He was the most wanted free agent in soccer history. Although Messi agreed to a pay reduction, the Catalan club still would not have adhered to Spanish league financial regulations.
Mauricio pochettino, the coach of PSG, was in touch with his fellow Argentine when Barcelona announced that Messi would be leaving the club he had joined at 13 years old. He won every major trophy and the title of world player-of-the-year.
PSG has been funded for a decade by Qatari sovereign money. It is one of few clubs that can finance a deal. Because Messi was signed by the club, PSG is looking into sponsorship deals in South America.
Messi’s media staff did not immediately respond to our questions. PSG, which was opening French league campaign against Troyes later Saturday, did not respond to emails with any questions.
Messi led Barcelona to 35 titles including four Champions League crowns. He also won a record six Ballon d’Or Awards. But club president Joan Laporta deemed retaining the best player in club history, even at a 50% discount to his previous wages, as too risky to its beleaguered finances.
Messi waited for his fate to be revealed, while Barcelona’s players and coach used social media to say goodbye to the 34-year old star.
On Saturday, Coach Ronald Koeman stated that it was still hard to comprehend that you would never play for Barcelona again.
Gerard Pique (a veteran defender) said that Messi and he had been friends since they were teens at Barcelona’s youth academy.
“We met when we were thirteen years old, and both had our careers. It was quite the career! It could have been even better if we had written it ourselves,” Pique stated.
Jordi Alba left back, who had an almost unstoppable connection with Messi to score for Argentina, said that it was a privilege to “share these nine years with” him.
“I enjoyed your passes to meet mine and my return to you that always worked. Alba stated, “And how much I will miss you.”