Getting Closer To PSG, Messi Even Refuses Neymar's Offer

In a caricature, Neymar and Mbappe, welcoming Messi in the PSG uniform. (photo: instagram @tntsports)

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi is getting closer to moving to PSG after his departure from Barcelona was announced last week. But the forward turned down the chance to take the number 10 shirt from Neymar.

The French club wanted to act quickly and to land the Argentine star after it was announced he was leaving Barcelona.

Reports state that things are developing rapidly regarding La Pulga's switch to Parc des Princes. This will be the best moment to see Messi reunite with Neymar.

The pair played together for four years, three of which were part of a fearsome attacking trio alongside Luis Suarez.

The trio maintain a strong bond and talk away from football and Neymar wants Messi to play with him again.

Even Neymar was willing to offer him the No 10 shirt at PSG, only that the offer was reportedly rejected by Messi, as reported by Telefoot.

Instead, the Argentine will wear the number 19 shirt, the number he previously wore at Barcelona as a debutant.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is also expected to earn a net 40 million Euros per year in the French capital.

Neymar's social media activity did little to quell the rumors as eagle-eyed fans saw something interesting in his activity lately.

The TNT Sports account posted a mock-up of Messi in a PSG shirt hugging Neymar and Neymar's official account 'liked' the post.

If officially joined, Messi is rumored to be signing a two-year contract in Paris with the option of an extension for another year.

Jorge Messi, the player's father, is rumored to be in talks with the French club soon.

While Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that signing Messi is not an opportunity to be missed.

"When you talk about players of his stature, I think many clubs, and in this case Paris St Germain, these opportunities sometimes arise and sometimes they don't," Pochettino said, quoted by mirro.co.uk.

“The club is working hard, as I said, and if there is any information, we will let you know. In each case, we evaluate options, and of course this is one of them," added the PSG coach.

"When we talk about the transfer window, it's clear that this is something that can happen," he added.

PSG's Qatari owner Nasser Al Khelaifi, who is desperate to win the Champions League after investing heavily in his bid to dominate Europe, is indeed very interested in Messi.

After they failed in the final and semi-final for the second year in a row, Messi's arrival is expected to be the final piece of the puzzle, becoming PSG's European king.