Messi contacts Pochettino, PSG looking for a formula to keep Mbappe and create ‘monster duo’

Even as the footballing community tries to digest the news of Lionel Messi officially leaving Barcelona as a free agent, speculations with regard to his future are buzzing wildly in the rumour mill.

Barcelona made it official on Thursday evening, confirming that the 34-year-old, despite having agreed terms on a new deal, will not be renewing because of the financial factors and La Liga’s strict salary cap policies.

And, when one of the best ever becomes available on the market, naturally, there is a lot of interest from several top clubs to acquire his services. And, it seems like French giants Paris Saint-Germain may be making a big play to sign the 2021 Copa America winner now.

PSG have made no secret of their intentions to sign Messi in the recent past. And with the 34-year-old now officially not re-signing with Barcelona gives them a clear run. In fact, The Athletic is claiming that things have already started to pick up pace as Les Parisiens look to close a deal and sign the ex-Barca skipper.

Indeed, the report goes on to add that Messi has himself been in direct contract with PSG manager and fellow Argentine Mauricio Pochettino to initiate talks over a transfer. And, that has seemingly set things in motion in the background as the French heavyweights try to figure out a way to bring him into Parc des Princes.

PSG superstar and Messi’s close friend and former Barcelona teammate, Neymar, already seemed to drop a hint of a reunion soon after the official announcement had been made.

And, the French capital club have already begun discussions with sponsors and commercial partners over the potential deal, with the general feeling being that the transfer would generate more revenue than it would cost to sign Messi.

PSG, at the same time, also need to deal with the contract situation of Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar is in the final year of his deal and has shown no intentions of wanting to pen an extension. The club are now devising plans to tie him down to a new deal and sign Messi to create a ‘monster duo’, although, it is still unclear if Mbappe does want to pen a new contract.

So, it seems like efforts are in full swing in the French capital to reunite Messi with Neymar, who recently signed a new contract with PSG, and pair them up with Mbappe by convincing him to sign a new contract.