Paris-Saint Germain are expecting to complete the signing of Lionel Messi in the next 48 hours, The Athletic understands.
It is understood free-agent Messi will be paid a sign-on fee of €25 million and has been presented with a two-year contract with a net salary of €25 million per year; the deal includes an option of a third year at the same rate.
The Athletic reported on Thursday evening that the Argentine had made a direct approach to PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is also from Argentina.
PSG have grown increasingly confident of securing the forward’s signature in recent days, with a deal getting closer.
A separate source close to the deal insisted on Sunday night that there was yet to be a total agreement between Messi and PSG, although nobody is disputing the French capital will be his destination.
Barcelona confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Messi, who has been a free agent since July 1 when his contract with the club expired, will not be staying at the club “because of financial and structural obstacles”.
On Sunday morning, Messi broke down in tears when he confirmed he was leaving Barcelona after 21 years at his farewell press conference. He said: “This year my family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, at home, that is what we all wanted. We thought we would be staying here in Barcelona. The time we’ve had here has been amazing. Today I have to say goodbye to all of this.”
