Lionel Messi has reportedly opened negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, hours after it was confirmed he was leaving Barcelona.
Talks between Messi, 34, and PSG are expected to rapidly intensify, that’s according to Sky Italia.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is excited by the idea of playing with Neymar again.
Messi and Neymar played together at Barcelona for four seasons and won the LaLiga title twice and the Champions League once.
On Thursday evening, Barca shocked the football world after they announced Messi’s 21-year stay at the club will end this summer.
A club statement said: “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.
“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”
The Argentina captain’s contract expired on July 1.
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And although he agreed fresh terms with the LaLiga giants for a five-year deal, he will not be playing at the Nou Camp next season.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
