Picture Credit: Twitter/BarcaTV
Lionel Messi and Barcelona are synonymous with each other. So long and so amazing has been this association that it is still not sinking that Messi is no longer going to be a part of the La Liga club, as was confirmed by the club earlier in the week. When he came out to address the media for one last time to offer his statement as a Barcelona player, he couldn't control the emotions of parting with a club he had joined as a teenager. Messi, in fact, cried like a baby and was unable to control his tears even before he began speaking to the gathering.
Messi stated how Barcelona would always be his home and referred to his kids as "three little Argentine Catalan." He recalled how he joined the club as a teenager but is now leaving with his wife and children. He also hoped to come back to the club and contribute to it in any way or any capacity possible. He also picked his Barcelona debut as the most memorable moment of his long journey with Barca.
Paris Saint-Germain are being regarded as the frontrunners to include Messi in their squad at the moment and Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that it is in fact Messi's former teammate and friend Neymar who is the catalyst in this transfer window. Romano added that they are "confident" they will be able to make the star Argentine their player.
"Paris Saint-Germain are close to sign Leo Messi, confirmed. PSG are preparing the official contract until June 2023 to be submitted to Messi and his father Jorge in the next hours," the transfer expert mentioned on social media.
"Messi’s open to join PSG. Neymar was pushing in the last 24h. PSG are so, so confident," he added.
However, Messi said at the presser that he has still not closed out a deal.
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Messi's initial address was met with a huge and extended round of applause as the six-time Ballon d'Or Winner continued to cry. It was clear that he was not in control of his emotions and his feelings poured out of him as tears.
Other than PSG, Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea are also believed to be considering bids for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, with Chelsea's owner Roman Abramovich reportedly requesting a meeting with the star Argentine.