PSG make contact with free agent Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi becomes a free agent

Yesterday, a bombshell was dropped on the footballing world as Barcelona announced that Lionel Messi would not be extending his contract in Catalunya.

In their official announement, Barcelona pointed the finger of blame squarely at La Liga, saying that:

Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).

As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.

This sent shockwaves throughout football fans, with many immediately speculating as to where the Argentine may end up come August 31st.

Paris Saint Germain make contact with the Argentine

One of the suggested destinations by fans was of course the cash-flush Paris Saint Germain. Already possessing Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria in their frontline, adding Messi would be a fantastic chance both to win the long-coveted Champions League and also to bring a global icon to the club.

And, as per the Athletic, PSG were indeed among the clubs that have contacted Lionel Messi since the news broke.

As per Adam Crafton, the French club “are holding internal discussions on how to make it happen”, with Messi reportedly earning 500,000 pounds per week at the Camp Nou.

Crafton continues that:

“PSG [are] already exploring avenues with commercial partners to maximise opportunities. Calculation that signing Messi brings more in than it costs”

If PSG were to pull off the signing, the sponsorship deals would surely line the French clubs coffers even more than previously, and they would confidently be able to say that they have the best forward line in the world, perhaps in history.