Tearful Lionel Messi bids goodbye to Barcelona; sources say PSG deal agreed

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A tearful Lionel Messi has stated his subsequent transfer will not be confirmed at an emotional farewell information convention Sunday, however ESPN sources stated a cope with Paris Saint-Germain has already been agreed.

Messi, who has been a free agent since his contract expired at Camp Nou on June 30, had maintained his silence since Barca introduced on Thursday that he is not going to signal new phrases due to monetary issues.

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The Argentina ahead stated he had acquired a number of calls from golf equipment because the information broke, confirming PSG’s curiosity, and a number of sources have informed ESPN that he has already agreed to signal for the Ligue 1 aspect.

Sources added that Messi is anticipated to journey to Paris quickly earlier than finishing a medical within the coming days and signing a two-year cope with the choice for a 3rd season. He might be offered at an occasion on the Eiffel Tower within the coming days.

“[PSG] is one chance,” Messi stated. “There’s nothing closed in the intervening time, however we’re speaking about loads of issues. After Barca’s assertion, loads of golf equipment confirmed an curiosity. There’s nothing last however, after all, there are talks.”

Requested concerning the prospect of becoming a member of a rival, he added: “There isn’t a doubt that I’ll go to a workforce that can compete with Barca. I did not need to depart, however I’ve to. And I need to preserve successful. That is my mentality. I need to win.”

Messi stated {a photograph} of him with a number of PSG gamers within the Spanish island resort of Ibiza final week, together with Neymar and Angel Di Maria, was only a coincidence, though he stated they did joke about him shifting to Paris.

As a substitute, in an occasion on the auditorium to the aspect of Camp Nou attended by the board, the first-team squad and his household, Messi insisted he had executed all the things attainable to remain at Barca.

“I’m actually unhappy as a result of I did not need to depart as a result of that is the membership I really like,” he stated. “I did not anticipate this. I’ve by no means lied; I’ve at all times been sincere and upfront. Final yr I wished to go away; this yr I did not. That is why I’m so unhappy.

“Because the president [Joan Laporta] has defined, the membership has debt [problems]. It is not attainable. Why preserve drawing it out if it is almost not possible? The talks stopped as Barca didn’t need to go on, they knew LaLiga wouldn’t let it occur, it was not possible.

“I did all the things I may to remain and it wasn’t attainable. I supplied to scale back my wage by 50% and Barca did not ask for anything. They did not ask for one more 30%; that is a lie.”

Messi, 34, had agreed to a brand new five-year contract with Barca, however that may have meant the membership’s wage invoice stood at 110% of their income. Their spending cap with LaLiga has dropped from over €600 million in 2019-20 to an anticipated €200m for the approaching season, making it not possible to register Messi’s new deal, even with an enormous pay lower. His earlier phrases included a base wage of round €70m gross with out bonuses.

He wrote a farewell message on social media which learn: “I’d have preferred to go away in one other approach, though I suppose {that a} farewell can by no means be one thing good. I’d have beloved to proceed right here, I did all the things with that goal and ultimately it didn’t occur.

“I solely have phrases of thanks for all those that have accompanied me in so a few years on the membership. And for our followers, that they gave me all their love and that I attempted to provide it again to them, additionally giving all the things for this shirt. I am leaving but it surely’s not goodbye, simply so long. Visca el Barça!”

Messi additionally lamented that he had been unable to say goodbye on the pitch with the followers chanting his title, bemoaning that his final 18 months on the membership have been performed in empty stadiums because of the pandemic.

“Unquestionably, that is probably the most tough time of my profession,” Messi added on the information convention. “I’ve had loads of robust moments, however the different day, [learning I was] not going again to coaching, not going to be on the pitch once more, that that is the top with this membership, sure, it is some of the tough moments for me.

“This yr is completely different from final yr [when I wanted to leave]. My household and I had been satisfied we had been going to remain, that is what we wished greater than something. We’re at residence right here. Now I’ve to say goodbye to all of this. I’ve been right here since I used to be 13. After 21 years, I’m leaving with my spouse, with my three little Catalan-Argentine youngsters. I am unable to say that we cannot come again not directly as a result of that is our residence and I promised my kids we’d.”

LaLiga additionally posted a tribute on social media and stated: “We made historical past collectively. It has been a matter of delight to see you change into a legend. Thanks, Leo Messi.”

With 672 objectives in 778 video games for Barca, Messi leaves as each the membership’s report look maker and high aim scorer. Nonetheless, he says nobody particular person comes earlier than the membership and warranted supporters there’s a squad constructed for fulfillment even with out him.

“Barca are among the best groups on the planet, they’ve an incredible aspect,” he stated. “Extra gamers will come, not simply now however sooner or later. Gamers come and go. As Laporta stated, nobody particular person comes earlier than the membership. At first, it is going to be bizarre, however individuals will get used to it.”



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