For the first time in 17 years, Lionel Messi is not a Barcelona player. With his contract having expired at midnight on 30 June, the Blaugrana captain has officially been a free agent for almost two days now, though Barcelona president Joan Laporta has remained calm and is confident that the captain will eventually put pen to paper on a new deal.
While Messi is currently focused on international duty with Argentina at the Copa América, his father and agent, Jorge, continues to manage his affairs and has maintained contact with Barcelona.
Although all indications are that Messi will renew with Barça, AS has learned that PSG has made an offer to the 34-year-old striker, which will come as a worrying development for the so-far-relaxed Joan Laporta.
Recall that Messi attempted to leave the Nou Camp last summer but eventually made a u-turn due to the exit clause in his contract.
However, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner became a free agent on June 30, after his contract at the club expired.
As a result, PSG is looking to capitalise.
It is believed Messi had agreed to terms on a new two-year contract with Barcelona.
However, PSG wants to hijack that process, as the player has not put pen to paper.
Barcelona will reportedly have to free up £170m in wages if Messi does put pen to paper a new deal with the club.
The French club is hoping the lucrative deal will lure the 34-year-old to Ligue 1 next season.
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