Barcelona reportedly make dramatic ‘final offer’ to keep Messi

Kieran Galpin

Has Messi messed up?

At a Camp Nou press conference on Sunday, Lionel Messi confessed his sadness in leaving Barcelona after a 21-year stint at the club, though stated staying was not possible. “I don’t want to leave this club, it’s a club I love and this is a moment I didn’t expect. Last year I wanted to leave, this year I wanted to stay. That’s why I’m so sad,” the 34-year-old said.

He added: “There was no problem with Barcelona, really. I was ok with the club on every detail. We had an agreement on everything, I was convinced to stay at Barça… but it was not possible because of Liga rules.”

Barça’s tense financial predicament meant they were unable to sign Messi, despite the player offering to take a fifty per cent pay cut. Though he was due to appear in Paris on Monday, to reportedly sign a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain, he was later pictured back at his home in Barcelona.

However, reports from sports journalists Roy Nemer and Albert Roge suggest that Barcelona have made one final offer in the hopes of saving Messi from moving to PSG.

One thing to keep in mind. If the offer is there (obviously right now it's what we are hearing), it doesn't mean Messi will accept it. Too many factors to consider. He may have everything agreed with PSG and this is just an offer. Not easy but try not to get your hopes up.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) August 10, 2021

“Big news as Barcelona have made a final offer for Lionel Messi. This even AFTER the farewell. It’s not over yet!” wrote Nemer.

He then continued: “Worth noting that Lionel Messi is reportedly in Ibiza. Same place Barcelona president Laporta is at right now.”

In another twist of events, per this tweet, Lionel Messi's plane has left Ibiza and is heading to Argentina. https://t.co/2VMe3LoKgN

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) August 10, 2021

However, despite numerous claims that Messi will consider staying with Barcelona, others believe that the deal with PSG will go ahead as planned. Argentinian source Diario Ole said Messi will arrive in Paris on Tuesday, barring any ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

Though this is all speculation at this time, it is believed to be a constantly evolving situation. Time will tell today if Messi does show up in Paris to sign with PSG, or whether he will take Barcelona’s new offer and say with the team.