A MEMBER of the Qatari royal family has claimed that Paris Saint-Germain have secured the signing of Lionel Messi.
The Argentina superstar, widely regarded as the best player of his generation, has become a free agent after Barcelona’s inability to re-sign him over wage limits in LaLiga.
He has been heavily linked with PSG since Barcelona announced his departure from the Spanish club on Thursday, and a high-ranking Qatar royal says he is bound for the French club.
The Emir of Qatar, Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, the founder of Qatar Sports Investment, the company that owns PSG, made an unofficial announcement of the move late on Friday night.
Hamad Al Thani, who normally tweets in Arabic, wrote on Twitter in English: “Negotiations are officially concluded. And announce later.”
The tweet is accompanied by a picture of Messi photoshopped in a PSG shirt.
The French club are expected to make an official announcement soon, once all the documents have been signed and filed.
Messi, 34, is ready to move to France, according to Sky Italy, and he will sign a two-year contract with an option of a third year.
He will earn up to €35 million euros net (after tax) per season.
