AP Photo/Joan MonfortMauricio Pochettino, Paris Saint-German manager, confirmed Friday that PSG is interested to sign former Barcelona star Lionel Messi. Reports suggest they are close to an agreement by the weekend.According to Julien Laurens of ESPN, Pochettino stated that signing Messi is possible. We are working on it, and we will let you know if any further information becomes available.Laurens pointed out that Messi was contacted by PSG on Thursday, after Barca had announced it wouldn't be able to resign him due to financial problems.ESPN's Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens reported that Messi and Barcelona had agreed to a new five year contract in July after he was released from his agency.Both sides wanted to reach a deal, but Barca did not have the financial flexibility to do it. The 34-year-old legend will now play elsewhere next season, his first professional appearance.Messi was always a part of the Barcelona umbrella. He was part Barcelona C and Barcelona A before being called up to the first team.The Argentina native is unquestionably one the greatest players ever with 672 goals, 305 assists in 778 matches across all competitions of Barca.Messi won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He was also a six-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner as the best player in the world.Laurens pointed out that Tamim bin Hamad, PSG owner, is "eager" for Messi to join the team due to his high-profile status. Since purchasing PSG in 2011, Bin Hamad has wanted Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to join the team.PSG's renewed interest is not surprising, as it was reported that Manchester City and PSG were the top suitors for Messi last summer after he told Barcelona that he did not want to play for Barcelona.Messi and Barcelona eventually came to an agreement, but he is now on the market again. Paris Saint-Germain would benefit from signing him on several fronts.Laurens said that signing Messi would be a good way to convince Kylian Mbappe, a rising star, to sign with the club again before he is released.PSG could also benefit from talent infusion after finishing second to Lille last season in the Ligue 1 standings.PSG with Messi at the helm, they are favored to be back at the top of Ligue 1 and would be major contenders to win their first Champions League title. They also have the chance to finish as runners-up in 2020.
