Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi’s future remains in serious speculation and Paris Saint-Germain are reported to be still very keen to take the Argentine megastar to Paris, having begun their public charm offensive in their bid to land the Braca talisman, pairing him with his former strike partner Neymar Kylian and Mbappe in the earnest hope of winning the Champions League, having emerged runners-up last season.<\/p>\n
The calls began no sooner had they defeated Manchester United\u00a03-1 on Wednesday night with only a draw required in their next match to secure their place in the Champions League knockout stage with Neymar scoring two of the goals.<\/p>\n
Messi\u2019s contract is up next summer and the Blaugrana captain is then able to negotiate with rival clubs as of January 1, and Neymar wasted little time post-mat ch at Old Trafford to make clear his desire.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I want the most is to enjoy playing with him again,\u201d said the Brazilian.<\/p>\n
Asked about a possible reunion in light of Barcelona\u2019s precarious financial situation – which will ensure there is no Camp Nou return for the 28-year-old – he added: \u201cHe can play in my role, it wouldn’t be a problem with me!\u201d<\/p>\n
Then came the killer demand to club chiefs: \u201cFor sure, next year we have to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are no doubts that despite Messi turning 35 next summer, PSG\u2019s Qatari owners are already looking into how they can make a deal work without risking falling foul of Financial Fair Play rules. Manchester City are also keen to continue their pursuit of the Argentine GOAT and it will all come down again to making the financials work at the Etihad too.<\/p>\n
South American, Leandro Paredes, an international teammate of Messi, declared his, and the squad’s, hopes after Neymar voiced his feelings on the matter:<\/p>\n
\u201c[Lionel] Messi at PSG? I hope so, we all want him to come but it will be his decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have an incredible squad, good players, good people, we [must] take advantage of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I have said, I hope Leo will make the best decision for him, but we will welcome him with open arms.\u201d<\/p>\n
It had been Barcelona’s modus operandi in the past that their players would go public to declare their desire for a new teammate.<\/p>\n
Now, the process has been reversed with the shoe firmly on the other foot as Neymar \u2013 Messi\u2019s bosom buddy and whom the Argentine had implored Barca chiefs to re-sign in 2019, only to be left frustrated by the previous Barca board \u2013 now takes the lead.<\/p>\n
Barcelona, who will confirm a new board and a new president in late January, are still harboring hopes of persuading Messi to continue in Catalunya despite a rollercoaster past 12 months – which ultimately led to the resignation of Josep Maria Bartomeu.<\/p>\n
Messi being eager to win one final Champions League crown before retirement, he may decide to depart before the new man at the helm even has a chance to get his feet beyond the Barca threshold.<\/p>\n
The Parisien club, a member of the European elite, are in ‘win-now’ mode and could be his best bet to secure one more Champions League trophy.<\/p>\n
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