Following his departure from Barcelona, Paris St-Germain is in negotiations with Lionel Messi’s representation regarding the Argentina striker joining the Ligue 1 side.
According to BBC Sport, Messi’s camp approached PSG on Thursday after it became obvious that Barcelona would not honor the deal they had agreed to.
On Saturday, more negotiations will take place amid growing optimism that an agreement may be reached.
Messi will hold a press conference on Sunday at 11:00 BST, according to Barca.
The Catalan club announced on Thursday that Messi, a free agent, will not be returning to the club.
They cited “financial and structural difficulties” as the reason for the player’s exit after 21 years.
Barca president Joan Laporta stated on Friday that retaining Messi would have put the club in jeopardy for the next 50 years.
Since his deal ended on July 1st, Messi, 34, has been a free agent. He had signed a new five-year contract with a lesser pay, but the club would still have to reduce its wage costs to support him, which it couldn’t do.
The Argentine captain is Barcelona’s all-time greatest scorer with 672 goals. He has also won a record six Ballon d’Or honors, as well as 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, and seven Copa del Reys.
Barca manager Ronald Koeman wished Messi all the best on Saturday.
“It’s still hard to believe that you won’t play for FC Barcelona longer,” Koeman said on Twitter. “Thanks for all you’ve done for our club, Leo.” I had a great time working with you for the entire season.
“I appreciate your work ethic and will to win; it distinguishes you as the best player in the world; for the time being, I wish you and your family all the best!”
Messi is said to be relaxed with the desire to join PSG because he really knows a number of their players.a
Before his world-record £200 million transfer to PSG, Neymar played for Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, and Messi remained close to the Brazilian.