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Lionel Messi and Barcelona are parting ways, with PSG rumored to be his next destination. We've heard that before, but this time it sounds real. After failing to receive support from La Liga in their quest to offer Lionel Messi a new contract, it feels as if Barcelona are resigned to throwing in the towel now.
The announcement came on Thursday night, when Barcelona stated the agreement with Lionel Messi would not materialize due to the financial regulations imposed by La Liga. Ever since the news surfaced, the entire world has been eager to know where Lionel Messi will be heading for his next assignment at club level.
PSG have already renewed contacts with Lionel Messi
There is no denying the fact that PSG have been admirers of Lionel Messi for a long time. Just after Barcelona confirmed their inability to retain the services of the mercurial forward, PSG wasted no time in approaching Lionel Messi.
Understandably, PSG firmly believe that luring Lionel Messi to Paris could put an end to their wait to lift the coveted Champions League trophy. Add that to their financial muscle and you would think an association between PSG and Lionel Messi is a matter of when rather than if.
As such, the Parisians are certainly among the favorites in what could turn out to be a hotly-contested race for Messi's signature. With talks expected to gather pace in the coming days, here are four reasons why Lionel Messi should make PSG his next destination.
#4 Messi will feel at home with Argentine link at PSG
Nothing feels like home, but certain places or people come close to it. In addition to head coach Mauricio Pochettino, there are three other key first-team players from Argentina at PSG. The likes of Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes share a close relationship with Lionel Messi and will be more than willing to do their bit to lure their fellow countryman to the Parc des Princes.
Due to the presence of a strong Argentine core, Messi can settle down to the new environment and focus on his football straightaway. Having won the Copa America last month for Argentina alongside Di Maria and Paredes, there is already an understanding and togetherness between them.
Although Lionel Messi has not always gotten along with the other Argentine Mauro Icardi due to personal reasons, that factor is not expected to entirely cloud his judgment when it comes to joining the project at PSG. It could just be a mere detail and PSG may even be willing to cut their losses with Icardi to sign Lionel Messi.
#3 PSG will stop at nothing in chase for Champions League
Both PSG and Lionel Messi have been kind of left humiliated in their quest to win the Champions League in recent seasons. As such, the hunger and ambition to get their hands on the biggest prize in European club football is more than ever for both parties.
In their attempt to try and go the distance in the Champions League, PSG have recruited some excellent players this summer. Previous Champions League winners Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum have linked up with PSG on free transfers, while the club have also splurged on the signing of Achraf Hakimi from Inter.
Additionally, the recruitment of Gianluigi Donnarumma on another free transfer has helped PSG assemble a star-studded ensemble cast for the upcoming season.
If Messi decides to move to Paris in the coming days, it will be considered the final piece in the puzzle. It's the kind of signing that could put an end to their long wait for the holy grail.
Having consistently been involved in the final stages of the Champions League over the last two seasons, and considering how they have bolstered their ranks, PSG ranks high up the list of potential destinations where Messi can shine.
Also read: 5 former rivals who could become teammates with Lionel Messi after Barcelona exit
#2 PSG can offer reunion with Neymar
It is no secret that Lionel Messi and Neymar would love a reunion at PSG. In addition to respect for each other's abilities, the duo also enjoyed some of their best football while playing together at Barcelona.
Following news of Barcelona having their hands tied by La Liga regulations, talks of such a poetic reunion at PSG have been persistent. Neymar has even reportedly offered his no.10 shirt to Lionel Messi as a sweetener in the deal to try and lure the Argentine superstar to PSG.
There is no denying the fact that the duo can set the stage on fire at PSG. If the deal does go through, Lionel Messi will relish the opportunity to renew his camaraderie on the pitch with Neymar.
The latest reports have also hinted that Neymar has been putting pressure on PSG to try and secure a deal for Messi at the earliest. Considering their understanding and ability to work together in tandem, Lionel Messi and Neymar reuniting could be a match made in heaven for PSG.
#1 Lionel Messi can end the G.O.A.T debate
Lionel Messi is being touted to win a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or this year. But even then, some quarters of the footballing world believe the Argentine needs to prove himself in a league outside Spain to be regarded as the greatest ever footballer.
Cristiano Ronaldo has successfully done it, so it is natural for people to expect the same from Lionel Messi. If he does join PSG, that is exactly the box Messi can tick in the whole argument about being the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time) in football.
After scoring 672 goals and winning 34 trophies since making his senior debut for Barcelona in 2004, it is definitely time for Lionel Messi to seek a fresh challenge. There has always been talk of reuniting with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but the Premier League champions have zeroed in on other targets.
As such, a potential switch to PSG could be the ideal platform for Lionel Messi to realistically put an end to the G.O.A.T debate.
Also read: 5 major reasons that led to Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona
